Graham native killed in UT campus knife attack

AUSTIN, Texas - A small community northwest of Fort Worth gathered Tuesday night to remember a young life cut short by what police are calling a “random act of violence.”

UT Austin Freshman Harrison Brown, from Graham, died Monday after police say he was stabbed by 21-year-old Kendrex White at the UT campus.

Witnesses said White calmly walked around campus near Gregory Gymnasium with a large hunting knife, stabbing and slashing people. Three other students were also stabbed but survived.

Hundreds gathered at Graham High School, where the 19-year-old graduated in 2016. They wore orange in solidarity for prayer and remembrance. He was remembered as an amazingly talented athlete with a love for music and a joy to those who knew him.

Brown, seen singing on a video he posted on his Facebook page, wanted to make music his career.

“He was amazingly talented at like everything,’ said friend Ryan Karper. “He sang. He played instruments. He played the piano."

Brown played the trumpet, loved athletics and was voted "Mr. G-H-S."

"Played the lead in several theater productions, ran cross-country and track, was a student council officer, Student Association, Key Club. He had a hand in everything,” said Principal Joe Gordy.

“I really didn't know what to say. We stood there in silence for like 15 minutes,” said friend Jeff Hazlett. “It was so hard. I don't think it's even struck me yet that he's actually gone."

Tracy Pippins was Brown's high school chemistry teacher. She says as long as she can remember, he always wanted to go to UT.

"It's really difficult because you know that he just had a really bright future ahead of him,” she said.

UT police arrested Brown’ alleged killer, who was also a student. According to police, White had been committed for mental health treatment involuntarily in the past in another city.

A motive for the attack has not been released.