Kentucky State University evacuates campus and farm
By Lily Burris
May 28, 2026 at 12:51 PM EDT
Kentucky State University closed its main campus and farm for about four hours Thursday due to a “potential threat to campus safety,” according to a release from the university.
Around 11 a.m., the university said the campus is closing on recommendation from the local law enforcement. It did not specify what the potential threat was. Shortly before 3 p.m., the university said they had received the “all clear” and both the campus and farm could resume operations.
The Campus Safety Notice told anyone on the main campus to leave “immediately and calmly” unless told otherwise. Employers were told to resume work remotely if they could.
Initially, the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm was not closed. However, in an update from the university, the farm was closed due to the same potential threat.
Employees who were at the farm are allowed to get their cars from the main campus, but cannot enter buildings.
Everyone was told not to return until further notice.
Kentucky State has about 2,800 students enrolled at its Frankfort campus.
In December, a 19-year-old student was shot to death on campus. The father of another student was initially charged in the shooting, but a grand jury declined to indict him.
This story has been updated.
Around 11 a.m., the university said the campus is closing on recommendation from the local law enforcement. It did not specify what the potential threat was. Shortly before 3 p.m., the university said they had received the “all clear” and both the campus and farm could resume operations.
The Campus Safety Notice told anyone on the main campus to leave “immediately and calmly” unless told otherwise. Employers were told to resume work remotely if they could.
Initially, the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm was not closed. However, in an update from the university, the farm was closed due to the same potential threat.
Employees who were at the farm are allowed to get their cars from the main campus, but cannot enter buildings.
Everyone was told not to return until further notice.
Kentucky State has about 2,800 students enrolled at its Frankfort campus.
In December, a 19-year-old student was shot to death on campus. The father of another student was initially charged in the shooting, but a grand jury declined to indict him.
This story has been updated.