The four teachers from Mount Vernon's Cornell College were participating in a teaching exchange program with a Chinese university in Julin City, per Daily Mail. The group was visiting a temple in Beishan Park at the time of the attack.
One of the victims was identified by his brother, Iowa representative Adam Zabner. He said that his brother, David Zabner was stabbed in the arm.
"My brother, David Zabner, was wounded in the arm during a stabbing attack while visiting a temple in Jilin City, China," he said. "I spoke to David...he is recovering from his injuries and doing well. My family is incredibly grateful that David survived this attack."
An alleged video of the attack was shared on social media Monday, which showed people covered in blood lying on the ground. Reuters was able to confirm the location of the video to be the temple, but was unable to verify when the video had been taken. No traces of the video could be found on Chinese social media.Iowa's Congress representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks posted to X: "We are working through proper channels and requesting to speak with the US Embassy on appropriate matters to ensure that the victims first receive quality care for their injuries and then get out of China in a medically feasible manner."
55-year-old Cui Dapeng was reportedly arrested after a manhunt was launched for the suspect. A police report stated that the suspect and the victims had bumped into each other while walking in Beishan Park, spurring the suspect to stab them. It also stated that the victims have all received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
US national security adviser Jake Sullivan posted to X: "We are deeply concerned by the stabbing of U.S. citizens in Jilin City, China. Our team has been in touch with these Americans and our PRC counterparts to ensure that the victims’ needs are met, & appropriate law enforcement steps are being taken. We wish them a speedy recovery."
