Knife Attack at Arizona State University: Alleged Targeted Incident Shocks Campus

On the morning of Sept. 19, chaos erupted at Arizona State University as a potential knife attack was thwarted in an economics class. Student Kaci Sloan, 19, allegedly lunged at her classmate Mara Daffron, also 19, with a pairing knife, causing panic among their peers. Fortunately, two quick-thinking witnesses were able to disarm Sloan and restrain her before any serious harm was done.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with court documents suggesting that Sloan had been planning the incident since the night before. In letters found in her backpack, she expressed struggles with self-worth issues and a desire to make her problems “go away” by harming others. Daffron, on the other hand, was left bewildered, as she had no prior connection to Sloan and couldn’t understand why she was targeted.

Despite appearing as a normal, high-achieving student on the surface, Sloan is now facing serious charges, including suspicion of first-degree attempted murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She is currently being held on a $250,000 bond in Maricopa County Jail.

The ASU community is reeling from the incident, with an ASU spokesperson expressing deep sadness over the events that transpired. The university is grateful for the swift response of those who intervened and is offering support to all those impacted by the incident. Daffron, who suffered a ruptured spleen and underwent surgery as a result of the attack, is said to be in stable condition.