JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Jay Nixon canceled a news conference Tuesday after a Kansas City community college dean was stabbed at the site where the governor was set to speak. 

In a conference call a few hours after the incident Nixon said that at the time of the stabbing he had not yet arrived at Penn Valley Community College, where the attack occurred.

Nixon and officials from his campaign declined to comment on whether the governor was the intended target of the stabbing, while law enforcement officials said it was not clear. 

"We do not know why or if the victim was the intended target, but it appears he was," said Darin Snapp, a spokesman for Kansas City Police Department.

The name of the victim has not been released. The Associated Press reported that the victim was in stable condition following surgery.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the dean and his family," Nixon said.  

Officials responded to an emergency call made at 9:38 a.m. By the time they arrived at the scene, Penn Valley security had already taken the suspect into custody. A press release from the college said that witnesses tackled the suspect and held him until the officers arrived.  Darin Snapp said that a teacher present at the time is an ex-federal agent and played a part in restraining the suspect.

According to police, the suspect is a male in his 20s. He was dressed entirely in black and wearing a bullet proof vest at the time of the attack. 

Authorities say the suspect walked up to the victim and, without provocation, cut the victim in the throat. Authorities also said that the suspect appeared to be under the influence of drugs. 

After the suspect was apprehended he was taken to police headquarters for questioning. 

The governor was scheduled to speak at the event about Internet broadband awards and expansion throughout the state.

During a conference call held for reporters following the incident, Nixon said that the millions of dollars for the expansion of Internet broadband will help create jobs in the future and create a healthier Missouri.

The Penn Valley Community College was the first of several colleges around the state to announce federal funding to expand broadband services in rural Missouri.