Local officials declined to release specific information about the identity of the shooter at the HBCU
FRANKFORT, Ky. — A shooting Tuesday afternoon at Kentucky State University left one person dead and another critically injured, disrupting final exams and placing the HBCU campus on lockdown, according to police.
The gunfire broke out around 3:35 p.m. inside Young Hall, a residence hall on the historically Black university’s campus, Frankfort Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy told CNN affiliate WDRB.
Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies responded swiftly, securing the scene and detaining a suspect in this capital city of 28,000 residents about 60 miles east of Louisville.
According to Fox affiliate KABB, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced the violent incident on X, confirming that a suspect had been arrested.
“We are aware of a reported shooting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort,” Beshear wrote on the governor’s X page. “At this time, we are aware of some injuries. We will share more information as available. Law enforcement are on scene, and a suspect has been arrested. Let’s pray for all those affected.”
Neither Beshear nor law enforcement officials revealed any specifics in terms of the identity of the suspect or the alleged shooter’s motive.
University officials said they are still working to collect “accurate and complete information” before issuing a formal statement. The campus remained on lockdown into the evening as investigators continued their work.
Kentucky State University, founded in 1886, enrolls more than 2,200 students and employs about 450 faculty and staff members, according to the school’s website.
Tuesday’s shooting comes amid a troubling string of violent incidents at historically Black colleges and universities this fall. In early October, five people were injured in a shooting near Howard University in Washington, D.C., though none were students. The following day, one person was killed, and six were wounded during a homecoming weekend shooting at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, about 50 miles west of Philadelphia.
As the investigation at KSU continues, officials have not released information about the victims or a possible motive. Students preparing for final exams before winter break were urged to shelter in place as authorities swept the campus.
“Let’s pray for those affected,” Beshear said.
