4 US instructors injured in knife attack in China

Four American Cornell College instructors were injured following a stabbing attack in Beishan Park in Jilin, China, on the morning of Monday, June 10.

According to NBC News, Chinese police confirmed that the suspect had been arrested and that the victims were receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

“Cornell Community, we have learned that four Cornell instructors teaching through a partnership with a university in China were injured in a serious incident during a daytime visit to a public park while escorted by a faculty member of the partner institution,” a statement said. obtained by PEOPLE from Cornell College read.

“We have been in contact with all four instructors and are supporting them during this time. No students participated in this program. Questions should be directed to Jen Visser in the Office of Marketing and Communications.

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PEOPLE contacted China's Foreign Ministry for comment on the incident, but did not receive an immediate response.

According to CNN, police arrested and identified the suspect as a 55-year-old man with the surname Cui.

“Cui collided with a foreigner while walking in Beishan Park, then stabbed the foreigner and three other foreigners with a knife, as well as a Chinese tourist who tried to stop him,” said the Jilin city police in a statement on social media translated by Reuters. .

CNN reported that the instructors were participating in a partnership program with Beihua University in Jilin, northeast China.

Videos and photos shared on social media showed a woman and two men lying on the ground in the park. One of the men was photographed covered in blood.

By The New York TimesForeign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the victims were treated at a hospital after being stabbed.

Meanwhile, Iowa State Rep. Adam Zabner confirmed to CNN that his brother, David Zabner, was one of four instructors who were attacked.

“I'm extremely grateful that my brother is okay and that he survived this attack,” he said of his brother, who was on his second visit to China with Cornell. “My family's hope is to bring my brother home as soon as possible and make him healthy again. And we just want to thank the U.S. Department of State for all of their help, as well as our federal delegation in Iowa which has been particularly helpful.

He added that his brother is “doing well” and has “been stitched up and appears to be recovering.”