Four Americans who are teachers in China were stabbed recently while sightseeing in the city of Jilin, about 700 miles northeast of Beijing.
On Monday morning, David Zabner and three other Americans were hiking around Beishan Park with one of his Chinese colleagues from nearby Beihua University. The four Americans actually teach at Cornell University, a private school in Iowa, but they now work at Beihua University, which began partnering with Cornell in 2018 on STEM-related educational exchange programs.
“I didn’t immediately understand what was going on. I thought my colleague had been pushed, but it seemed like he was trying to push me for some reason.”
During the hike, one of the Americans accidentally bumped into 55-year-old Choi Maomao. As a result of the confrontation, Choi allegedly stabbed the four Americans and another Chinese local who came to their aid. report From the Chuanying Branch of Jilin City Public Security Bureau.
Graphic videos and images of bloody victims were circulated on social media, but Chinese authorities appear to have since censored them and they no longer appear on the Chinese internet. BBC report.
In fact, the name of Zabner Reportedly His name was only made public after his brother, Iowa Democratic Rep. Adam Zabner, identified him as one of the victims. “I have spoken with David. He has recovered from his injuries and is doing well,” Zabner said. “My family is incredibly grateful that David survived this attack.”
The names of the other victims have not been released. David Zabner later Iowa Public Radio To explain the horrific experience.
“I turned around and there was a guy brandishing a knife at me. I didn’t immediately understand what was going on. I thought maybe my coworker had been pushed, but for some reason he was trying to push me,” David Zabner told IPR News. “Then I looked down at my shoulder and realized, ‘I’m bleeding. I’ve been stabbed.'”
“The police told us [Cui] “I was unemployed and unlucky,” Zabner added.
Zabner was stabbed in the upper arm. One of the American victims appeared to be bleeding from his back, IPR News reported, citing video footage. All four Americans are recovering from their injuries and are currently hospitalized in China. Their injuries are “no longer in danger,” according to a local police report.
Choi was arrested, but it is unclear what charges he will face.
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a Republican from Iowa whose district includes Cornell University, has called for the four Americans to be brought back to the U.S. as quickly and safely as possible.
“My office and I have been in contact with the Iowa families affected,” she wrote. X“We are responding through appropriate channels and requesting that they discuss appropriate matters with the U.S. Embassy to ensure that the victim first receives quality treatment for his injuries and then is able to leave China as medically possible.”
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed “deep concern” about the incident and offered his best wishes to the victims. “Our teams are in contact with these Americans and their Chinese counterparts to ensure the needs of the victims are met and appropriate law enforcement action is taken,” he said. X.
Cornell University described the attack on its faculty as “serious.” outlet.
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