User:TriadicRelation98/2017 Transylvania University machete attack

The 2017 Transylvania University machete attack, also referred to as the 2017 Transylvania University stabbing attack, took place on April 28, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky when a former student stabbed two people on the campus based on their political ideology.

Attack
According to witnesses, a former student of Transylvania University named Mitchell W. Adkins walked into a coffee shop on campus at around 8:45 a.m. EDT with a bag filled with various edged weapons. He asked a student whether they were a Democrat or a Republican. The student replied that she was a Republican to which Adkins responded "You are safe." He then proceeded to ask two other students about their political affiliation and stabbed both of them with a machete. Adkins suffered self-inflicted injuries as well. Police were called immediately and Adkins was subdued without much resistance. He and and one of the victims were transported to the hospital to treat injuries. Adkins was charged with first-degree and fourth-degree assault, and three counts of wanton endangerment.

Perpetrator
According to posts Adkins made online and opinion pieces he had written for BuzzFeed, Adkins felt discriminated against for being conservative. He also asserted that colleges were biased against conservatives.

Aftermath
Transylvania University cancelled all classes for the rest of the day.

Investigation
Adkins pleaded not guilty on May 1 and appears in court June 7. On May 1, the court ordered Adkins to undergo a mental status evaluation. On May 10, the Fayette District Court approved the search of a laptop used by Adkins, stating the Internet was "where he proclaimed his distaste with Transylvania’s political atmosphere and intolerance for political affiliation."