Officials have identified the suspectaccused of shooting two Kentucky State University students, killing one, in an isolated incident on Dec. 9.
The suspect was identified as 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana, city officials in Frankfort, Kentucky, said in a news release. Jail records show Bard was arrested on preliminary charges of murder and first-degree assault, reported theEvansville Courier & Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. It wasn't immediately clear if Bard had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.
The shooting unfolded shortly after 3 p.m. local time on Dec. 9. Frankfort police said they responded to calls of a shooting on campus and when they arrived at 3:14 p.m., Kentucky State Campus Police already had the suspect in custody. Two students were found with gunshot wounds and transported to a local hospital, police said. One of the students died and the other was in stable but critical condition, according to anupdatefrom the university.
The two victims have not been identified. Authorities didn't divulge Bard's relationship to the victims, why he was on campus, or what may have transpired leading up to the shooting, which took place about 175 miles from Evansville, where the suspect is from. Bard isn't a student at the university.
The shooting is believed to be an isolated incident, and there is no continued threat to the community, officials said.
"This was not a mass shooting or a random incident," Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a video message posted to social media. "The suspected shooter is already in custody. That means that while this was scary, there is no ongoing threat and I believe our families are safe."
The shooting that took place today at Kentucky State University appears to be an isolated incident - not a mass shooting. The suspect has been arrested, and there is no ongoing threat. Two individuals were critically injured, and I am sad to share that one has now passed away.1/2pic.twitter.com/4G1BgJNVQj
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear)December 9, 2025
The shooting was a "senseless tragedy," Kentucky State University President Koffi C. Akakpo told reporters.
"We're mourning the loss of one of our students. As a parent, I cannot imagine receiving the call I placed today to the parents. Our students need prayers. Kentucky State University needs prayers,"he said.
The university said it is suspending all classes, final exams and campus activity for the rest of the week and is providing counseling and support services.
Contributing: Michael Loria, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press:Kentucky State University shooting suspect identified; 1 killed
