Editor’s Note: Updates with additional details.
A suspect has been taken into custody in a shooting at Kentucky State University that left one person dead and another hospitalized in critical condition, police have confirmed.
The school, a historically black university, has more than 2,200 students and 450 faculty and staff, a report from CNN explained.
The campus has been secured and the buildings are on lockdown, just as students were preparing to leave for winter break.
According to Frankfort Assistant Chief of Police Scott Tracy, it happened about 3:35 p.m. at Young Hall, a dorm.
On social media, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said, “Let’s pray for those affected.”
No identities were released immediately.
It’s the third shooting tragedy at a historically black school in just weeks, the earlier events happening at Howard University in Washington and Pennsylvania’s Lincoln University.
Beshear said, “We are aware of a reported shooting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. At this time, we are aware of some injuries. 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.”
We are aware of a reported shooting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. At this time, we are aware of some injuries. 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.
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) December 9, 2025
Reports of an “active aggressor” triggered a rapid response by police, and the campus was put on lockdown as the scene was secured.
SHOOTING AT KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY – MULTIPLE INJURED, SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
Multiple people were injured after a shooting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort on Tuesday around 3:35 p.m., triggering a rapid police response to what was described as an “active… pic.twitter.com/wub6O7AzRf
— Info Room (@InfoR00M) December 9, 2025
Kentucky State University shooting leaves multiple injured, suspect in custody: cops https://t.co/D6rluFjcFS pic.twitter.com/2H92TKPhaz
— New York Post (@nypost) December 9, 2025
BREAKING – Governor Beshear says suspect arrested in Kentucky State University shooting; injuries reported. pic.twitter.com/2qw8CG5BaD
— Salem News Channel (@WatchSalemNews) December 9, 2025
