A top official for the Beijing Olympics Organizing Committee says the stabbing death of an American was random violence. VOA Sports Editor Parke Brewer is covering the Games and has a report.
Secretary-General Wang Wei said Olympics officials are saddened by Saturday's attack against Americans who were visiting Beijing's famous Drum Tower.
Todd Bachman, the father-in-law of U.S. Olympic men's volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon, was stabbed to death. His wife suffered multiple stab wounds and remains in the hospital in critical condition. Their daughter was not hurt, but their Chinese guide also suffered stab wounds.
Wang said the attacker, who jumped to his death from the tower after the assault, was a 47-year-old jobless, divorced man from eastern China. Wang said he does not believe the attacker knew that his victims were American.
"Because he is dead, there's no way to find out his motives. Apparently it was an isolated criminal act," Wang said.
Wang added that officials from the American Embassy, the FBI and Chinese security inspected the crime scene and all agreed it was random violence.
Wang said Beijing is a safe city but things can happen anywhere. He said areas around Olympic venues are well protected, but that security may be strengthened in other parts of the city.
