Four teachers from Cornell College in Iowa were stabbed while visiting China, according to officials from the university and China.
The incident happened in Beishan Park, Jilin City, China, while the teachers were sightseeing on Sunday. A Chinese official said that the teachers were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment and that their injuries were not life-threatening. The police are investigating the incident, which they believe to be isolated.
The suspect, a 55-year-old person, bumped into one of the teachers and then attacked them and three others with a knife. A Chinese tourist was also injured in the incident. The suspect has been arrested.
Cornell College has a partnership with Beihua University, and the teachers were accompanied by a local faculty member during their visit.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed her concern and said she has been in contact with federal officials and the State Department regarding the attack. The Department of State stated that they are aware of the incident but have no further comments at this time.
The Chinese official emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges between the U.S. and China and stated that China will take measures to ensure the safety of all foreigners in the country. They also said that incidents like this will not affect cultural exchanges between the two countries.