Two instructors return Thursday after knife attack in China | Best Stories

MT. VERNON, Iowa (KWWL) — A few days later a stabbing attack in the city of Jilin, China, two instructors return to Iowa on Thursday.

One of those returning is State Rep. Adam Zabner's brother, David Zabner. He was stabbed in the arm on Monday, but was released from the hospital last night, according to a post by his brother.

KWWL spoke today with Rep. Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks about efforts to bring instructors home. Rep. Miller-Meeks says families are eager to reunite with their loved ones and grateful for everyone's help.

“I think the first few days they were a little quiet. First of all, you want your family to be okay. Second of all, you have no idea why this happened and it's in a foreign country, and there’s a 12-hour time difference trying to communicate with each other, but they’re fine,” she said.

One instructor is still in intensive care, but recovering after surgery. Another also required surgery, but is stable.

A 55-year-old man named “Cui” was arrested for the attack. Rep. Miller-Meeks says the investigation is ongoing.

“Local officials believe this was a deranged individual, so some of the process is still ongoing, but we are very grateful that two of the individuals have left China and are expected to return home soon, and that the others can return soon unless there are complications,” she said.

There were five casualties in total, including a PRC national who intervened to try to help the instructors. Rep. Miller-Meeks says everyone is grateful for his courage to help.

“For me, it's reassuring and encouraging to know that people's goodness shines through, no matter where you live or where you are, and so I tend to think better of people before I think worse, and so I think that it just highlights the general nature of humanity and the goodness of people,” she said.

Rep. Miller-Meeks said the Chinese government, State Department and embassy worked together to ensure victims received the best care and were evacuated as soon as they were medically able.

KWWL will keep you updated online and on air once all instructors have gone home.