Binghamton University president Lois DeFleur is calling it a 'senseless act of violence,' and students on campus are finding it difficult to comprehend.
"It's led me to be a little shocked and appalled that this kind of event could go on at our campus," BU Senior Spencer Wigsten said.
At about 1:40 Friday afternoon, a stabbing was reported at the Science One building.
As of now, students can only speculate as to what happened.
"Anthropology professor, I hear, was stabbed four times with a six inch blade," said Brad Cramer, a BU senior.
Not many details are available at this time as authorities are still investigating, but have confirmed that the victim was 77 year old Richard Antoun, a professor of anthropology at BU.
Antoun was a peace activist and lectured on middle eastern religions.
Police say a suspect is in custody and students say its a grad student.
They can only guess what the motive was.
"Most likely I would say it's stress related, it's near finals week, it might be one of his students that didn't get along with the professor," said BU Senior Nick Stroud.
"I can't imagine it was motivated by grades, I have really no idea to be honest," Wigsten said.
If any of those reasons turn out to be why Antoun was stabbed, students say it's a cause for concern.
"In the future I'm concerned for the professors as well as the students. If there's someone will to go to these means because of grades or whatever it was, then yes, I'm concerned," said Cramer
But others say they won't live in fear because of an isolated incident.
"I try not to be too stirred up by these kinds of things, you've got to keep a level head on your shoulders, we don't expect these things it's a peaceful campus," Wigsten said
The Science One building will remained closed until noon Saturday at which time access will be allowed except in the area of the investigation.
B-U is offering counseling to anyone in need throughout the weekend.
You can reach those counselors by calling 777-2393.