One Student Killed, Another Critically Hurt in Kentucky State University Shooting; Suspect Detained

A shooting on the campus of Kentucky State University (KSU) in Frankfort left one student dead and another critically injured on Tuesday afternoon, according to local authorities. A suspect who is not enrolled at the institution was taken into custody shortly after the incident, and officials said there is no continuing threat to the campus community.

The gunfire erupted near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, a residence facility on the south side of the historically Black university. Frankfort Police Department officers responded to reports of an “active aggressor” at approximately 3:00 p.m. local time and coordinated with KSU campus police to secure the area. Both victims were identified as enrolled students; one was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was transported to a nearby hospital in stable but critical condition.

Preliminary findings indicate that the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute rather than a random act of violence or an active-shooter scenario, investigators said. Law enforcement officials have not released the suspect’s name, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry, but confirmed that the individual was apprehended without further incident.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the situation in a recorded statement, noting that the suspect’s swift detention eliminated any immediate danger to students, faculty, and staff. “Based on the information provided to me, this was not a mass shooting,” the governor said, emphasizing that the dispute appeared isolated. He urged residents to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts.

University President Koffi Akakpo described the loss as a “senseless tragedy” during an evening press briefing. He confirmed that the campus entered lockdown soon after the first 911 calls and that the measure would remain in effect until law enforcement completed a comprehensive security sweep. The university, located roughly 25 miles northwest of Lexington, is working closely with municipal and state agencies as the investigation proceeds.

Frankfort Police Chief Charles Adams said detectives are interviewing witnesses, reviewing security camera footage, and processing physical evidence collected near the residence hall. Authorities are also examining whether campus access protocols were followed and how the suspect gained entry to school grounds. Additional officers will patrol the university in the coming days, Adams added, to reassure students returning to residence halls and classrooms.

The shooting is the latest in a series of incidents that have raised concerns about safety on college campuses nationwide. According to data compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, single-victim shootings represent a substantial portion of firearm-related crimes reported at higher-education institutions, underscoring the importance of rapid response plans and conflict-resolution initiatives.

Imagem: Internet

In a message sent to students and employees, KSU officials provided contact information for counseling services and reminded the campus community of available mental-health resources. Classes and extracurricular activities scheduled for Wednesday were suspended, and the university said it would announce any additional changes to operations after assessing security conditions.

No timetable has been given for formally charging the suspect. Prosecutors in Franklin County are expected to review police findings once interviews and forensic analyses are complete. Anyone with information about the altercation or events leading up to the shooting has been asked to call the Frankfort Police Department’s tip line.

KSU, founded in 1886, enrolls roughly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The institution is expected to enhance safety protocols, including visitor screening and emergency-notification procedures, as part of its response to Tuesday’s events.

Crédito da imagem: WTVQ