FRANKFORT, Ky. (WDRB) -- One person was killed and another was hospitalized in critical condition after police responded to an "active aggressor" at Kentucky State University in Frankfort Tuesday afternoon.

During a news conference Tuesday evening, Frankfort Police Asst. Chief Scott Tracy said a shooting was reported on campus around 3:10 p.m. 

Officers arrived to the scene about four minutes later, and campus police had already taken a suspect — who is not a KSU student — into custody. Police identified the suspect as Jacob Lee Bard, of Evansville, Indiana. He was booked into the Franklin County Regional Jail on murder and assault charges. VINE records show Bard is 48 years old.

Tracy said two students were shot and taken to a nearby hospital where one died and another remains in critical condition.

"Our thoughts are with them, their families and the entire Kentucky State university community as well as the Frankfort community as they navigate this difficult moment," he said. 

No additional information about the victims has been provided.

The shootings happened near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall on campus, according to the university.

KSU senior Benjamin Darough was on campus when the shooting happened.

"We just heard it and everyone rushed outside so it was kind of just like, it was a big deal. But we were still cautious as well. Everyone is in the windows just watching around ... having something happen right here in our grill, right where we are, where we stay is, it was kind of different," Darough said. "I feel like we need to come together as students, as a school, and address some of the underlying topics that need to be going on, like, how was this even able to happen and why was this even something that could have happened?"

In a written statement at 6 p.m., officials said counseling and support services are available to students, faculty and staff impacted. 

"Today indeed was a senseless tragedy. We're mourning the loss of one of our students," KSU President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo said during a news conference. "As a parent, I cannot imagine receiving the call I placed today to the parents. Our students need prayers. Kentucky State University needs prayers. I cannot thank our law enforcement enough, our community enough, and our leader right here with me enough." 

Just after 7 p.m., the university said in an alert to students that all classes, final exams, and campus activities were suspended for the rest of the week. The alert told students they were welcome to return home.

Tracy said the shooting is "believed to be an isolated incident" and there are no active safety concerns on campus. 

Police had been providing updates about the incident on social media throughout the afternoon.  

"We understand how unsettling incidents like this can be for students, parents and our community, but please know that the safety of our residents and our campus partners remains our top priority, and we will continue to work closely with Kentucky State University as this investigation moves forward," Tracy said, adding that information would be released as it becomes available and "as the investigation allows."

KSU's campus remains on lockdown until further notice, per Frankfort police.

"Violence has no place in our commonwealth or country. Let's please pray for the families affected and for our KSU students," Gov. Andy Beshear said in a post on X. "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."

In a written statement, Franklin County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller asked for prayers for the victims, their families, students and the campus community.

"It is with deep sadness that I must share about the shooting that took place on Kentucky State’s campus this afternoon," the statement read. "I am proud of the combined law enforcement response that brought the suspect quickly into custody. ... I ask that we join as a community during this time. Please pray for the victims, their families, the students and faculty as they deal with their profound grief."

This story will be updated.

One person was killed and another was critically injured in the shooting. Police have a suspect in custody, but no further information has been released.

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