Several Americans Injured in Stabbing Attack at Chinese Public Park

In a shocking and deeply troubling event, three American citizens were stabbed in China on Monday during a visit to Beishan Park, Jilin. Chinese officials have described the attack as an "isolated incident."

The victims, along with a non-citizen resident of Iowa, were part of a group associated with Cornell College, a private institution in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. The four individuals were promptly hospitalized and are expected to recover.

U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns expressed his anger and concern on social media platform X, stating, "A US Consular Officer visited the 4 in Jilin Hospital today where they are receiving treatment. We are doing all we can to help them & hope for their full recovery."

Cornell College President Jonathan Brand confirmed that the school has been in contact with the instructors and is providing necessary assistance. The group was accompanied by a representative from Beihua University, Cornell’s partner school in China.

The attacker, identified by police as a 55-year-old man with the last name Cui, allegedly had an argument with the group before the attack. The motive remains unclear, but authorities maintain that it was an isolated incident. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian assured that the incident would not affect cultural exchanges between China and the U.S.

One of the victims is David Zabner, brother of Iowa Democratic Rep. Adam Zabner. Rep. Zabner expressed his desire for David’s swift return to Iowa, acknowledging the efforts of the State Department and Iowa’s federal delegation.

Iowa officials, including Governor Kim Reynolds, voiced their concern and support. Gov. Reynolds urged for prayers for the victims’ recovery and safe return.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also commented on the stabbings, emphasizing the importance of appropriate law enforcement actions.

Cornell College’s partnership with Beihua University, established in 2018, involves instructional exchanges in computers, math, and science, with Beihua funding Cornell faculty’s travel to China.

This attack occurs amidst rising tensions between the U.S. and China, fueled by concerns over Chinese theft of American economic, military, and intellectual property.

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