Crime
Kentucky State University Shooting Suspect Identified as 48-Year-Old Jacob Lee Bard
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University (KSU) remains on lockdown after a deadly shooting on campus Tuesday afternoon that left one student dead and another critically injured.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspected gunman, who is not affiliated with the university, has been taken into custody.
According to Frankfort Police, officers responded to reports of an active aggressor on the KSU campus shortly after 3:10 p.m.
Police arrived within minutes and quickly located the scene of the shooting, which occurred in the south campus area near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall.
University officials confirmed that two students were shot. One student died from their injuries, while the second is listed in stable but critical condition and is receiving ongoing medical care.
During an evening press conference, Frankfort Police identified the suspect as 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana.
Bard has been charged with murder and first-degree assault. He was taken into custody without further incident and has been booked in the Franklin County Regional Jail. Investigators confirmed that both victims were current KSU students.
Authorities credited the swift and coordinated response of local, state, and federal agencies for containing the situation almost immediately and preventing further harm.
Officials emphasized that the incident was isolated and that there is no continuing threat to the campus or surrounding community.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the tragedy in a video message, extending condolences and urging unity:
“Violence has no place in our commonwealth or our country. Please pray for the families affected and for our KSU students. Let’s also pray for a world where these things don’t happen. Thank you to our brave law enforcement who acted quickly to protect our people.”
Kentucky State University released an official statement confirming the victims’ student status and expressing profound grief over the loss:
“Two Kentucky State University students were shot, and we are heartbroken to report that one of the students succumbed to their injuries. The second student is in stable but critical condition and receiving medical care. Out of respect for the families, the University will not release identifying information at this time. Counseling and support services are available for students, faculty, and staff.”
In response to the incident, KSU has canceled all classes, final exams, and campus activities for the remainder of the week. Students are permitted to return home if they choose, and counseling resources remain available for anyone affected.
Community reaction has been swift, with Frankfort City Commissioner Katima Smith-Willis urging residents to come together during a moment of profound loss:
“During difficult moments such as this, I encourage us all to lean into respect, compassion, and care for one another. Kentucky State University is not just the university—it is our university, rooted deeply in our community.”
Further updates will be released through official Kentucky State University channels as additional information becomes available.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.