FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kentucky State University is on heightened alert after someone inside a dark vehicle opened fire on a group of people walking on campus on Sunday.
In a news release shared on Facebook around 10:40 a.m. on Monday, the Frankfort Police Department (FPD) announced that around 2:35 a.m., shots were fired on campus near Young Hall.
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FPD said that multiple people in a dark-colored vehicle opened fire on a group of people walking on campus. Witnesses told the police that roughly 15-20 gunshots were heard. In the release, police confirmed that two people were shot, with one sustaining serious injuries. Young Hall and at least one vehicle were also damaged by gunfire.
Kentucky State University Police Chief Rahsaan Berry said they immediately put the campus on lockdown to ensure everyone was accounted for.
“Our first priority is to make our students safe. Like she said before, we wanted to contain the area, contain the perimeter,” he said. “And that was my first initial thought was, hey, let’s do this lockdown. Make sure the areas that are these are working together so we can make sure that our students are safe.”
Both victims were taken to an area hospital to be treated. There is no word yet on their condition.
School leaders assured the community that no students or staff were injured.
As the school year begins on campus, Berry said the department, along with Frankfort Polic,e will be providing more patrols on and around campus.
“We’re going to be additional personnel checking IDs that we go across the campus, you know, making sure everybody feels safe,” he added.
He said safety is the number one priority for staff and students.
“They’re giving us their child. So it’s very important for us to keep them safe. You know, I take that personal. Because, you know, like I tell the kids every day, ‘Hey, I love you. I want you to have that higher education, you know, to create something better for yourself,'” Berry explained.
FPD confirmed this is an active investigation, and authorities are pursuing all leads. No arrests have been made.
The university issued a statement on Monday afternoon.
“Our students deserve to learn and thrive in a safe environment,” Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, President of Kentucky State University, said. “We remain fully committed to protecting our campus community and will take every step necessary to safeguard their well-being.”
“Our students deserve to learn and thrive in a safe environment,” said Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, President of Kentucky State University. “We remain fully committed to protecting our campus community and will take every step necessary to safeguard their well-being.”
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The campus is reportedly on heightened alert.
In the early morning hours of Sunday, August 17, an unknown individual fired multiple rounds from a vehicle near Young Hall on the Kentucky State University campus. KSU Police officers were already on location when the shots were fired and were able to immediately respond by securing the area and protect those present.
No KSU students or employees were injured. Two non-students were transported for medical attention, one of whom has been released. A KSU Police vehicle and the exterior of the tutoring center at Young Hall sustained damage. The Frankfort Police Department is leading the investigation, with full support from KSU Police.
Kentucky State University remains on heightened alert. Only registered students with a valid student ID are permitted to access residence halls, and the University has authorized increased patrols by KSU Police and security personnel.
The University will also request that all charges be pursued against any individuals who came onto campus and endangered students working to better themselves through education.
“Our students deserve to learn and thrive in a safe environment,” said Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, President of Kentucky State University. “We remain fully committed to protecting our campus community and will take every step necessary to safeguard their well-being.”
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Frankfort Police Department at 502-875-8523. Callers may remain anonymous.
Kentucky State University
Anyone with information about the shooting or who may have seen suspicious activity in the area is urged to call FPD at 502-875-8523.
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