New Jersey man allegedly traveled to Florida to attack another player: sheriff

A New Jersey man faces an attempted murder charge after allegedly flying to Florida and attacking another gamer with a hammer during an online argument, authorities said.

The two men had never met in person before the suspect showed up at the victim's Fernandina Beach home over the weekend “apparently to confront the victim,” Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said. during a press briefing Monday announcing the charges in the case.

The incident allegedly stemmed from an “online altercation,” Leeper said, calling the matter “strange.”

The suspect, Edward Kang, 20, allegedly entered the victim's home through an unlocked door and – wearing all-black clothing, gloves and a mask – attacked him with a hammer when the victim was getting up from the game to go to the toilet. late Saturday or early Sunday, according to Leeper.

The victim, believed to be about the same age as Kang, managed to tackle his attacker to the ground, Leeper said. He and his stepfather, who was awakened by cries for help, were able to disarm the suspect and restrain him until officers arrived, Leeper said.

“Upon arrival, they discovered a significant amount of blood in the entryway of the home and in the victim’s bedroom,” Leeper said.

The victim suffered “serious” head injuries during the attack, the sheriff said. The victim has since been released from the hospital, he said.

Kang was booked into the Nassau County Jail on Sunday and charged with attempted second-degree murder and armed burglary. It's unclear if he has a lawyer.

Leeper said the investigation is ongoing and the charges could be upgraded.

When asked about the motive for the attack, Kang allegedly told deputies the victim was a “bad person online,” Leeper said. He also allegedly asked how much jail time you received for breaking and entering and assault, according to Leeper.

“I would say, Mr. Kang, that it will be a long time before you play video games,” Leeper said.

The victim and suspect knew each other through the online video game ArcheAge, according to Leeper. The Korean massively multiplayer online role-playing game will no longer be accessible in the United States from Thursday, its publisher announced in April, citing the “decrease in the number of active players”.

Kang allegedly told his family he was going to meet a friend he met years ago through an online video game, Leeper said. He flew from Newark, New Jersey, to Jacksonville, Florida, and arrived at a hotel near the victim's home early Friday morning, according to Leeper. He allegedly bought a hammer and a flashlight at a hardware store when he arrived in Florida, with the receipts found in his hotel room, Leeper said.

“This incident is a stark reminder of the potential real-world consequences of online interaction,” Leeper said. “We urge the public to exercise caution, report suspicious online behavior to authorities and always ensure their homes are securely locked.”