In an incident, four U.S. college tutors were injured after being brutally assaulted in a public park in China. The attack took place at Beishan Park in central Jilin, a location known for its temples. Videos circulating on social media show one woman and two men, with one man covered in blood, lying on the ground.
The injured tutors were quickly taken to a hospital. Fortunately, their injuries are not life-threatening. Cornell College President Jonathan Brand issued a statement, revealing that the tutors were with a faculty member from Beihua University during the attack. Cornell College, located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, collaborates with Beihua University in Jilin City.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, it is not yet known if the attack was targeted or random. Cornell College spokesman Jen Visser stated that the college authorities are still gathering information about the incident.
The incident sparked strong reactions on social media with one user commented that anti-foreigner sentiment is very high on Chinese social media, blaming foreigners for various issues. They criticized the Chinese government for not addressing hate crimes and suggested that countries should issue travel warnings for China.
Horrified that multiple Cornell College faculty members were brutally stabbed in China.
My team has been in communication with Cornell College & will do everything in our power to bring these Iowans home safely. Join me in praying for their health & safety.
— Ashley Hinson (@RepAshleyHinson) June 10, 2024
Iowa Representative Ashley Hinson expressed her horror at the incident. She stated that her team is in contact with Cornell College and will do everything possible to ensure the safe return of the injured tutors. Representative Adam Zabner revealed that his brother, David, was among those attacked. The group had visited a local temple when they were stabbed by an assailant.
Chinese Police confirmed the arrest of a 55-year-old man named Cui, who is accused of stabbing the four Americans and a Chinese tourist who tried to intervene. The police and the Chinese Foreign Ministry acknowledged the incident and stated that the suspect is in custody.
This attack on Americans comes at a time when China is trying to improve its relationship with the U.S. and boost tourism to support its economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. A State Department representative confirmed that U.S. authorities are aware of the situation and are monitoring it closely.
READ MORE: “Four United States Citizens Stabbed Brutally In Park In China”
The number of U.S. students studying in China has significantly decreased over the past decade. Currently, about 300,000 Chinese students study in the U.S., while fewer than 900 Americans are studying in China.
The Chinese police have classified this as an isolated incident and are conducting further investigations to understand the full details of the attack.
Comments