A shooting occurred Tuesday on the Kentucky State University campus in Frankfort, leaving multiple people wounded and one confirmed fatality; law enforcement secured the campus, arrested a suspect, and officials—including the governor—issued statements as the situation unfolded.
Police say officers responded to reports of an active aggressor on KSU’s campus Tuesday afternoon and moved quickly to secure the area. Campus lockdown procedures were put in place while officers from the Frankfort Police Department, KSU Campus Police, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office coordinated the response. Local authorities advised that more details would be released as they became available while the scene was managed.
Tuesday, December 9, 3:35PM: Frankfort Police Department responded to an incident on KSU’s campus Tuesday afternoon, regarding an active aggressor.
Frankfort Police Department, in partnership with KSU Campus Police and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office have secured the campus and have a suspect in custody.
At this time, KSU campus is on lockdown until further notice. The department and university will release more details as they become available.
About an hour after the initial post, officials provided a grim update confirming casualties and hospital transports. The department said one person had died and another had been transported in stable but critical condition. Investigators said the suspect was in custody and that the immediate threat had been contained while they continued to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Update, 4:35 PM: Officials confirm one person is deceased, one has been transported to the hospital in stable but critical condition. A suspect remains in custody.
Authorities announced plans for a press conference later in the evening to give the public a clearer picture of what happened and the status of the investigation. Campus officials worked with local law enforcement to manage communications and to provide resources for students and staff affected by the incident. Meanwhile, families and community members sought updates and reassurance from officials on the scene.
Kentucky’s governor posted to social media to acknowledge the incident and relay basic facts known at the time. He emphasized that law enforcement had arrested a suspect and that authorities were aware of injuries sustained by multiple people. The governor also asked the public to keep those affected in their thoughts during this difficult moment.
“We are aware of a reported shooting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. At this time, we are aware of some injuries,” the post read. “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.”
He later shared a video message stressing that violence is not acceptable and that rapid action by officers had prevented further harm. In his statement he characterized the event as isolated rather than an ongoing mass attack and reiterated that the suspect was detained. The governor named two individuals as critically injured and confirmed that one person had died.
“The shooting that took place today at Kentucky State University appears to be an isolated incident – not a mass shooting,” Beshar said. “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.”
Officials urged anyone with information to come forward and to cooperate with investigators who are piecing together the timeline and motive. Emergency teams continued to offer support to students, faculty, and staff, including counseling and medical assistance where needed. The university maintained its lockdown until authorities could confirm the campus was safe and could resume normal operations.
Community leaders thanked law enforcement for their rapid response and for safeguarding students and staff during a chaotic period. They also asked the public to avoid spreading unverified details while investigators complete their work. Local authorities said updates would be provided at the scheduled press briefing to clarify next steps in the probe and the status of those injured.
This situation remains under active investigation as police work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. The university and law enforcement encouraged patience and cooperation as officials verify facts and support those affected by the violence. More information was expected to be released at the evening briefing as authorities compiled their findings.
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