Not a random shooting, says Kentucky Governor Beshear: KSU campus attack leaves one student dead
A shooting on the campus of Kentucky State University (KSU) on Tuesday afternoon left one student dead and another critically injured, highlighting the ongoing challenges of campus safety in the United States, according to a report by CBS. The incident, which occurred near Young Hall at around 3:15 p.m. EST, was described by authorities as an isolated event, but it comes amid a troubling backdrop of shootings at U.S. schools and colleges.
US school and college shootings: A growing concern
Over the past two decades, school and college shootings have become an unsettling reality in the U.S., with incidents ranging from high-profile mass shootings to isolated attacks on individual campuses. According to the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, there were more than 100 shootings at K-12 schools and higher education institutions in 2024 alone, causing widespread concern among students, parents, and educators alike.Experts point to a complex mix of factors contributing to these tragedies, including mental health challenges, easy access to firearms, and social pressures. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) like KSU have largely been spared from large-scale violence, making such incidents particularly jarring for their close-knit communities. Even isolated events, however, can have a profound emotional and psychological impact, highlighting the importance of preparedness, counseling support, and proactive campus security.
Suspect in custody, no ongoing threat
The Frankfort Police Department (FPD) confirmed that officers arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting. KSU Campus Police had already detained a suspect, who is not a student at KSU, when FPD arrived.Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) described the shooting as “not a mass shooting or a random incident,” according to reporting by The Hill. Both the governor and police emphasized that there are no active safety concerns on campus.
Governor calls for support and prayers
Governor Beshear also urged the public to pray for the victims and for students who may feel fearful following the shooting. “Pray for a world where these things don’t happen, and I’ll keep trying to build the Kentucky that we don’t see arguments ended in violence,” he said, as reported by The Hill.
University president addresses students’ emotional well-being
According to The Hill, KSU President Dr. Koffi Akakpo highlighted the university’s commitment to both physical safety and emotional health. In a message to students, he said:“Your well-being — your physical safety, your emotional health, and your sense of belonging — is the heart of everything we do at Kentucky State University. You are valued. You are cared for. And you are not facing this moment alone.”Akakpo assured students that the university will work closely with law enforcement throughout the ongoing investigation.
Impact on the KSU and Frankfort community
Founded in 1886, KSU is a historically Black college with more than 2,200 students and 450 faculty and staff. The FPD noted that incidents like this affect the entire Frankfort community and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.While the immediate threat has passed, officials recognize that the emotional impact of the event may persist, and support services are available to help students navigate this difficult period.
