Kentucky State University shooting: One student dead, another critical as suspect arrested
A student has died and another is in stable but critical condition following a shooting incident at Kentucky State University (KSU), officials announced.
A suspect, who is not a student at the university, has been apprehended and taken into custody after the incident on the campus in Frankfort, as reported by the city’s police department.
KSU was placed on lockdown on Tuesday afternoon as authorities responded to an ‘active aggressor.’
The incident occurred in a residence hall on the south side of campus, according to KSU. Police stated that the campus shooting appeared to be isolated, not a mass shooting.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear shared the news first, posting on X: ‘Violence has no place in our commonwealth or country. Let’s please pray for the families affected and for our KSU students.’
“Let us also pray for a world where such incidents do not occur. We are grateful to our courageous law enforcement officers who acted promptly to protect our community.”
Frankfort Police Department, KSU campus police, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting.
In a press conference on Tuesday evening, Frankfort Police Department’s Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy stated that campus police had taken “swift action” and apprehended the suspect prior to the arrival of authorities at the scene.
Local, state, and federal agencies are currently assisting in the investigation, he added.
“Out of respect for both students and their families, the University will not release identifying or additional medical information at this time,” KSU stated on its website.
“We are in close contact with the families and are providing every available support to them.”
The university has cancelled classes, final exams and campus activities for the rest of the week, according to its website, and is offering students the choice of returning home.
Speaking at the press conference, KSU President Koffi C. Akakpo called the shooting a “senseless tragedy”.
“As a parent, I cannot imagine receiving the call I placed today to the parents,” he said.
Counselling and support services are being offered to students, faculty and staff affected by the shooting, the university’s website says.
The KSU campus covers about 1,000 acres, and has more than 2,200 students and 450 faculty and staff members, according to its website.
Source: BBC
