Man traveled over 1,000 miles and attempted to kill his online rival with a hammer only because they got into an altercation while playing video games
Jacksonville, Florida – A shocking incident unfolded in Florida, where a 20-year-old gamer from New Jersey flew nearly 1,000 miles to attempt to murder another gamer. This act of violence, stemming from an online altercation during a video game session, has left the gaming community and local residents stunned by the extremity of the response to what began as a virtual dispute.
E. Kang, the accused, was arrested in Florida and is facing charges of attempted second-degree murder and armed burglary. According to law enforcement, Kang’s decision to attack stemmed from a heated exchange that occurred online while playing video games with the victim, whom he had never met in person. The conflict escalated to the point that Kang booked a flight to Florida with the alleged intention to confront and harm the victim.
In the early hours of June 23, deputies responded to a distress call at a home. They arrived to find a gruesome scene with significant amounts of blood near the entryway of the house. The altercation had moved into a bedroom where the victim was discovered with multiple head wounds. The victim’s stepfather was awakened by his screams for help and found him and Kang struggling on the floor. The victim reportedly encountered Kang standing over him with a hammer raised, ready to strike as he exited the bathroom. Despite the sudden and violent attack, the victim managed to wrestle the hammer away from Kang and call for help.
After subduing Kang, the stepfather detained him until the police arrived. During the arrest, when asked by the victim and stepfather why he committed the attack, Kang chillingly responded, “He is a bad person online.” This statement was later echoed during his questioning by the police, where Kang inquired about the penalties for breaking and entering and assault. Investigators found a receipt in Kang’s motel room for a hammer purchased at a local hardware store, confirming it as the weapon used in the assault. Kang’s mother disclosed to authorities that her son had left home under the pretense of a vacation, planning to meet with a friend he had known from online gaming.
Kang is currently held without bond in jail, awaiting further court proceedings. His actions not only resulted in severe physical harm to the victim, who is recovering from his injuries, but also exposed the darker side of how online interactions can break into real-world violence.
Sheriff B. Leeper, in a news conference, expressed his disbelief and concern over the incident, highlighting the bizarre nature of an online gaming dispute escalating to attempted murder. He commented on the case with a stern reminder of the consequences of such actions, noting, “It will be a long time before you play video games,” indicating the gravity of the legal repercussions Kang will face.
