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.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.