Court documents show that Nile Hardy, 23, of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, was the individual near Farrington Square who was in possession of a loaded gun and knife on Monday.
Hardy, a graduate student living in SouthSide Commons, was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and harassment. Hardy was taken to St. Luke’s hospital for a mental health evaluation.
The police records report that Hardy was shouting statements “I’m God, don’t kill me,” and “I’m God, I’ll kill you all.” When officers approached upon noting the disturbance near the intersection of Morton and Vine streets, the documents state that Hardy struck David Kokinda, one of the LUPD officers at the scene and the officer who made the official arrest.
A physical struggle followed, and after Hardy was taken into custody, police discovered the loaded 9-mm handgun and kitchen utility knife.
Police documents state that LUPD had made contact with a male witness at 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15 who was concerned with the behavior of a fellow student, identified as Hardy. The witness, who was not named for confidentiality purposes, informed police that Hardy was last seen at his residence in SouthSide Commons. The witness said he saw Hardy with a handgun and knife, and left the area.
“Officers attempted to locate Hardy at the SouthSide Commons, but were unsuccessful,” police records state.
The police records state LUPD officers were on their way to check back on the scene based on the original phone call from the witness the night before when they noticed the disturbance near Farrington Square and took action.
The witness said Hardy had been acting strangely ever since he ingested DMT, a psychedelic drug. He said Hardy’s “purpose was to be elected president in the next 12 years and then kill all Muslims and Chinese people.”
Police searched Hardy’s residence after his arrest, seizing marijuana, a firearms record of sale and a receipt for ammunition, among other items. A warrant was also requested to search Hardy’s computer, cell phone and other digital items.
In some cases where there are health or safety concerns, Lehigh can issue an interim suspension, effectively restricting a student from being on campus for any reason until the disciplinary process is completed, Associate Dean of Students Chris Mulvihill said in an email.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. with District Judge Nancy Matos-Gonzalez.
UPDATE: Court documents show that Hardy was able to post bail at $50,000 on Wednesday.
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3 Comments
I’m all for freedom of speech/press but to attach a person’s name to an incident like this and tether that to this man’s online record is a decision that I really think the staff should reconsider. He is a student and so are you and you have prioritized clickbait shock-factor material over the wellbeing of someone who clearly was not in a mental state indicative of any of his personal characteristics.
What value is added in this story by including a name? None.
I’m happy everyone is now safe and the situation is controlled but I really question the inclusion of such an irremovable and unnecessary detail as the student’s name.
Any updates on the case? I have seen other articles where it states that he had a medical marijuana license as well a concealed carry permit/license in PA. So, he had all the rights to have the gun and marijuana in the state of PA. Seems like a young bright man at a prestigious school who made a terrible mistake. This story kind of paints him in a very bad light, which could be completely wrong. Could you guys possibly get a statement from Nile Hardy? I would love to hear from him and get his side of the story. Keep us posted please.
Any updates on the case? I have seen other articles where it states that he a medical marijuana license as well a concealed carry license in PA. So he had all the rights to have the gun and marijuana, in the state of PA. Seems like a young bright man at a prestigious school who made a terrible mistake. This story kind of paints him as a school shooter, which could be completely wrong. Could you guys possibly get a statement from Nile Hardy? I would love to hear from he and get his side of the story. Keep us posted please.