American is killed at popular Beijing tourist site

BEIJING -- A relative of a U.S. Olympic men's indoor volleyball coach was killed Saturday in an attack by a knife-wielding Chinese man at a popular tourist attraction three miles from the main Olympic Stadium, according to reports by the U.S. Olympic Committee and state media.

The USOC, which planned a press conference for Saturday night, did not reveal names of the coach or the victim.

Media reports said that two U.S. tourists, both relatives of the coach, were attacked while visiting the 13th Century Drum Tower. No information was released on the condition of the second victim.

The lone assailant reportedly committed suicide by jumping from the second story of the site.

The attack came around midday Saturday amid heavy security, which has been on heightened alert because of the Olympics.

-- Randy Harvey

Photo: Police examine the crime scene on the second floor of the Drum Tower in Beijing. Credit: Alexander F. Yuan / Associated Press

Comments

[Brady Safe Streets Coalition]

China is such a knife culture that it is time for the United Nations to step in and impose a ban of all knives. In modern times there is need for steel knives. How many more people have to die before the world wakes up! STOP THE KNIFE VIOLENCE!!!!

[Lawrence Perry]

Is no-one safe?

The fact is that this could just as easily have happened in London, UK than China....

My heart goes out to the Coach and relatives.

[ralphus Jericho]

Not exactly the start the U.S. was looking for. ...

[DogWithoutSlippers]

The ID of the killer? Did he jump for 72 virgins? Shame that this happened. Pray for the family. Pray for America.

[JUSTICE for the INNOCENT]

If it was left up to the Brady campaign, The world would have no protection from governments taking over individuals personal lives....but then maybe that's what you want. What comment do you have Brady? Wake Up! Citizens need to be able to DEFEND their persons. Perhaps if everyone was armed, these attack wouldn't be so often. Taking these things away won't help at all. Punishing people who infringe on a peaceful people is the only natural answer. Death for murders, castration and imprisonment for rapists, HARD LABOR for all prisioners. FREEDOM AND RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS!!!