Evansville, Indiana – The law firm Danks & Danks is representing Jacob Bard, the man accused of shooting two students at Kentucky State University (KSU) a few weeks ago. A grand jury is set to convene on Tuesday in Franklin County to determine whether to indict Bard for murder.
Attorney Jonathan Danks expressed strong support for Bard, arguing that he is an innocent man who took action in defense of his family. “As an attorney, it’s really difficult to see somebody like Jacob go through this. When you feel very strongly that what they did was lawful, you know what kind of person they are. It’s not easy for anybody in that situation. No matter if it’s justified, what happened is tragic,” Danks commented.
According to the defense, Bard and his family faced ongoing violence from other students directed at his son, which led them to withdraw from KSU. On the day of the incident, as they were escorted by police to retrieve his son’s belongings from his dorm, a crowd of 20 to 30 individuals allegedly gathered to attack them. Many in the crowd were reported to be wearing ski masks and were not students of KSU.
The situation escalated when Bard’s son was forcibly slammed to the ground, and several individuals began to assault him. Bard, while attempting to protect his son, sustained injuries and, fearing for the safety of his family, drew his firearm and shot at two people he perceived as threats. Danks maintains that Bard’s actions were justified given the circumstances, emphasizing that Bard was defending not just his son, but also his wife and himself.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Bard’s family has reportedly received credible death threats, which adds to the tension surrounding the case. Danks continues to assert Bard’s innocence, highlighting his role as a responsible parent who acted out of necessity in a highly volatile situation.
“I’m sad on behalf of Jacob that he had to take that action; nobody should be in that situation,” Danks lamented. He expressed frustration over the doubts cast on Bard’s character and motives, insisting that he acted as any concerned parent would in the face of such danger.