KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon’s scheduled press conference at Metropolitan Community College’s Penn Valley campus was canceled Tuesday morning after a man wearing a bullet-proof vest stabbed one of the deans at the school, 20 minutes before the governor’s speech.
The suspect, 22-year-old Casey Brezik, slashed 55-year-old Albert Dimmitt Jr.‘s throat around 9:30 a.m. on the first floor of the Humanities building, reports KMBC.com. Witnesses told police that the suspect, whose name has not been released, appeared to be under the influence of drugs. It is unclear whether the attack was related to the governor’s appearance.
Brezik also stabbed another victim, who tried to stop the attack, in the chest.
Witnesses were able to tackle the suspect and hold him until police arrived. Bystanders also rendered first aid to Dimmit.
The suspect is now in custody. Dimmit is the dean of instruction, and authorities said he is now in stable condition after undergoing surgery.
Classes were still being held in the Humanities building except where the stabbing occurred.
Brezik has been charged with two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action.