The male Penn State student who threatened another male student while wielding a machete on campus Sunday is now under interim suspension, Penn State Spokeswoman Lisa Powers said.
Lance Phillip, 20, of Elmont, N.Y., is charged with making terroristic threats, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct, according to court documents.
Phillip was placed under interim suspension because he has been charged with a potentially violent act. Because he is currently under interim suspension, Phillip cannot set foot on campus or participate in any university-sponsored activities, Powers said.
Powers said once the police investigation is complete, Phillip’s interim suspension may be lifted. Phillip will then go through the student conduct process where it will be determined if any further disciplinary action is warranted, Powers said.
Phillip entered into a verbal argument with two male students Sunday at Nittany Hall before brandishing a machete and threatening the two students, Penn State Police said.
Phillip told police that he brought out the weapon because he felt “disrespected” by one of the students, police said.
According to Penn State’s Policy Manual on Weapons, Fireworks and Paintball Devices, any student in possession of a knife with a blade larger than that of a folding pocket knife can be subject to discipline in accordance with regular university policies, which may include suspension or dismissal.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 23 at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, according to court documents.
