Two people were killed early this morning in a shooting at Family Scholar House, a partner facility located adjacent to the University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus.
The Incident
University of Louisville Police Department (ULPD) responded to reports of shots fired at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the Family Scholar House location. University alert systems issued a SafeZone notification approximately 15 minutes later, warning the campus community of the shooting and advising to avoid the area. A subsequent Rave Alert at 2:14 a.m. ordered individuals in the vicinity to shelter in place, as the suspect was believed to have fled toward W. Shipp Avenue. By around 4:00 a.m., the shelter-in-place order had been lifted.
Location and Victims
Family Scholar House serves as a non-university facility that provides housing and support for student parents and their children, in partnership with U of L. University officials confirmed that the two victims were not students, faculty, or staff at the university, and provided no further details regarding their identities.
University Response and Community Impact
In a message to the community, university leaders described the shooting as a “heartbreaking event for the entire Louisville community.” Counseling services have been made available: students may access support through the U of L Counseling Center, and employees through the Employee Assistance Program. Additionally, the university asked community members to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behavior to ULPD.
Students and campus residents were understandably shaken. While U of L has not indicated any ongoing threat to campus safety, officials emphasize the importance of remaining alert and leaning on counseling or support services if needed.
Investigation Status
As of this morning, the suspect remains at large and no arrests have been made. Louisville Metro Police Department has released minimal details and continues to investigate. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact law enforcement through the anonymous tip line or portal.
At this stage, the motive behind the shooting remains unknown, and investigators have not confirmed any connection between the victims or suspect and the university community beyond proximity to campus.
This situation is developing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.