A tragic shooting at Kentucky State University (KSU) reportedly left at least one person dead and another in critical condition on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a full campus lockdown and a swift, coordinated law enforcement response. The incident unfolded on the historically Black college’s Frankfort campus just after 3:30 p.m. Eastern, according to the Frankfort Police Department (FPD).
Authorities said in a Facebook statement that officers responded to reports of an “active aggressor” on campus at 3:35 p.m. Police confirmed one fatality and noted that a second victim was transported in “critical condition.” While details remain limited as the investigation continues, officials said the campus was quickly secured with assistance from KSU Campus Police and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear acknowledged the shooting on the social platform X, saying he was “aware” of the situation and confirming that a suspect had been arrested. “Let’s pray for all those affected,” Beshear wrote, encouraging the public to keep victims and their families in their thoughts.
The magnitude of the incident prompted an immediate lockdown across the KSU campus, with Frankfort Police announcing that the order would remain in place “until further notice.” The Hill reported that it had reached out to a campus police spokesperson for additional information, though no further details were immediately available.
The university, founded in 1886, is one of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and the shooting has rattled both the campus community and the broader region. As law enforcement worked to secure the area and gather information, local leaders urged calm while expressing concern for the victims.
Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), whose congressional district includes Frankfort, said his office was monitoring the situation closely. “We are aware of injuries and are in communication with KSU and local officials,” Comer wrote on X. He asked the public to “please keep everyone affected in your prayers,” reflecting the widespread shock as news of the shooting spread.
The deadly event adds to the growing national debate surrounding campus safety, as schools across the country continue to face threats ranging from isolated violence to large-scale security challenges. While no motive has yet been released and officials have not disclosed whether the suspect had any connection to the university, the arrest has provided some measure of relief as investigators work to piece together what happened.
For now, Kentucky State University remains on edge, with students, parents, and faculty waiting for answers. Law enforcement officials are expected to release additional details as the investigation develops. But on Tuesday evening, the focus remained on the loss of life, the individual fighting to survive, and a campus community left shaken by a violent act in a place meant to foster learning and personal growth.
As Kentucky leaders from both parties have emphasized, thoughts and prayers are with the victims—and many are hoping that swift justice and stronger security measures will prevent future tragedies.
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