A grand jury has decided not to indict Jacob Lee Bard, the father of two Kentucky State University (KSU) students, after he was charged with murder for a campus shooting that left one student dead and another critically injured.
According to Bard’s defense attorney, Scott Danks, the jury found Bard acted in defense of his family during a violent confrontation. Bard’s lawyers claim that a group of 20 to 30 people attacked their family as they were moving their younger son out of the university due to previous threats and violent incidents on campus.
Just before the incident on December 9, Bard and his son were physically assaulted, which led Bard to shoot the assailants in an effort to protect his family. In a prior event, the younger son had reported a burglary in his dorm room and received threats afterward, a situation that escalated the family’s concerns for their safety.
After the grand jury’s decision, KSU officials expressed their commitment to student safety and well-being. They emphasized that the community continues to feel the impact of the tragedy, and they are focused on supporting students at the university.
The shooting itself is part of a troubling trend. Just four months earlier, gunfire was reported near the same residence hall when shots were fired from a vehicle, injuring two non-students. Such incidents have raised significant concerns about safety on campus.
Bard’s case shines a light on the complexities of self-defense laws. According to legal experts, cases like this often hinge on various factors, including the perception of threat and the immediate circumstances leading to the use of deadly force.
In discussions online and on platforms like Twitter, many have voiced strong opinions about the incident, some supporting Bard’s actions as justified and others questioning the escalation of violence on college campuses.
KSU is a historically Black university established in 1886, currently serving around 2,200 students. As the community processes this event, the focus remains on ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students.
For further details on campus violence and safety protocols, you can refer to resources from the National Center for Campus Public Safety here.
