UIC Student Arrested After Attempted Stabbing and Device Incident

A violent incident at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) left one student targeted in an attempted stabbing and prompted the evacuation of a campus building Wednesday, November 4. University officials said the suspect, also a student, allegedly attempted to use an incendiary device before attacking another student inside Student Center East in Chicago.

UIC officials confirmed that the suspect was arrested and the intended victim suffered no injuries. The incident occurred on the second floor of Student Center East, located at 750 S. Halsted St.

At approximately 12:39 p.m., UIC issued an emergency alert instructing people to stay away from the building. Student Center East was subsequently evacuated and remained closed while law enforcement agencies investigated.

In an evening update, university officials described the alleged use of the device before the attempted stabbing.

"incendiary device" was the term used by UIC officials to describe the object involved in the incident.

"individual attempted to use an incendiary device in a second-floor hallway of SCE," UIC officials said in an update Wednesday evening.

The FBI confirmed its involvement in the investigation and said it was providing assistance alongside several other law enforcement agencies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also responded to the scene.

UIC stated that the incident did not present an ongoing danger to the wider campus community. The building's closure remained in effect pending the completion of the police investigation.

Two students told reporters that their roommates were among those targeted. They described an unexpected confrontation involving a bottle and a large knife.

"Somebody threw a bottle. It went straight past his face, and then he turned, saw dude pull out the butcher knife, and took off," Kaleb Miller said.

Another student, Jonathan Uribe, described how one of the targeted individuals reportedly fell after slipping on liquid from the bottle. He said the victim fought back before managing to escape.

"He slipped on some liquid from the bottle. And before he knew it, he was getting attacked. And the guy tried to stab him multiple times.

So he continued to kick his feet, kicks his, and eventually he hit the guy in the jaw. The attacker started to stumble back, and then he was able to get up and run away," Jonathan Uribe said.

Other students described the confusion as police officers arrived and ordered people to get down on the floor. Simon Dean said he initially struggled to understand what was happening.

"I heard some commotion. And when I turned it around, I saw all the people on the floor, and then the police were there. And they're like yelling at the guy to get on the floor and everything. And then it was like a lot going on; so I didn't really like know what was going on," Simon Dean said.

EJ Johnson also recalled seeing several officers moving backward while holding their weapons before hearing someone shout warnings to people nearby.

"What raised the red flag ... was we seen three to four or five officers backing up, clutching the weapons. And then next thing you know, we hear a scream, saying, 'Get out, get out, and get out the way,'" EJ Johnson said.

Students also shared images of the incident, including accounts describing a man on the ground being taken into custody. Nicole Donnelly said the evacuation left students waiting for information about the situation.

"I feel like everything's being kind of handled right. I mean, you know, they evacuated us out. There's nothing really we can do. I just think it's always like, 'hurry up and wait,' trying to figure out, you know, what's really happening," Nicole Donnelly said.

Concerns about building access and campus security also emerged among students following the incident. Eric Landicho questioned how easily members of the public could enter the student center.

"You know, people can just come in, and stuff like that can happen. But you know, you never really think it would happen. So I'm not really sure how to feel about it," Eric Landicho said.

Osei Boakye also expressed concern about student safety following the confrontation.

"I hate what happened here today. You know, I just wish the campus was a bit more safer a little bit, so you know we don't have to necessarily worry about this stuff," Osei Boakye said.

UIC expected Student Center East to reopen at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, November 5, after university officials issued an all-clear notice.