Iowa instructors stabbed in China expected to recover

MOUNT VERNON, Iowa — The four Cornell College instructors who were stabbed in a park in China are expected to make a full recovery, according to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley.

The Associated Press reports that these victims were teaching in China through a partnership with Beihua University.

The suspect ran into one of the victims in a public park and stabbed them, then the other Iowa instructors, according to AP. The suspect also stabbed a bystander who tried to help the Iowa instructors.

AP reports that the instructors were rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

“We tell families we're going to work as hard as we can to make sure things go as smoothly as possible if they're still in the hospital,” Grassley said.

He added that he had been in contact with Chinese and American officials, including a US consulate general.

“This consulate is personally advocating for the victims of the attack, ensuring they receive appropriate care,” Grassley said.

Grassley is just one of several state leaders to speak out on the event. Iowa Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, shared that his brother, David, was one of the victims.

In a Facebook post, Rep. Zabner said David is recovering and doing well.

“My family is incredibly grateful that David survived this attack,” Zabner wrote in part. “We would like to see David home in Iowa as soon as possible.”

The stabbing attacks come amid ongoing tensions between the United States and China. Still, Grassley isn't worried about the incident potentially impacting the relationship.

AP reports that police believe the stabbing was an isolated incident. However, the investigation is ongoing.

In a statement to the Cornell College community, President Jonathan Brand said in part: “We have been in contact with all four instructors and are assisting them during this time. No students participated in this program. »