A Chinese man attacked two relatives of the US men's volleyball coach with a knife, killing one and seriously injuring his wife and their Chinese tour guide late yesterday evening before committing suicide. Evidently the Chinese police completely cleaned the crime scene before any foreign journalists were even aware of the event, but from the official reports it sounds as if it was a single act of random violence. The victims have been identified as Todd and Barbara Bachman who were visiting the Olympics with their daughter Elizabeth, a former Olympian and the wife of current US volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon.China has made every effort to present a safe and welcoming face to foreign tourists at the Olympics, and to have an incident like this on the very first day of the games has to be a huge disappointment for the organizers. Beijing is one of the safest large cities in the world to walk around in, and the Chinese population in general is normally very friendly to foreigners, so a street crime like this one is particularly shocking. I imagine that we will see the already strict levels of security in Beijing increased even more over the next few days as the Chinese authorities attempt to prevent any more random violence.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bachman family and to the entire US Volleyball community.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-09-2008 @ 5:00PM
Lucy said...
We do not belong AT the olympics or in CHINA! They are a COMMUNIST REGINE and against ALL that americans stand for. Bush, as usual, is an ass. I will not watch, nor contribute anything whatsoever to these olympics. The murders that took place is a sign of the times. You do NOT go where you are NOT wanted or BELONG! What is wrong with you people? Our money is good but our people are not. Get a clue people. The regime has threatened and intimidated people people to maintain peace. Is this any way to welcome people? They have pushed, shoved, batoned and trampled people since they started showing up there.Especially from the US. GET UP GET SMART AND GET OUT OF ONE OF THE MOST VICIOUS AND DISGRACEFULLY BRUTAL COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD!
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8-09-2008 @ 5:36PM
Jim said...
The point of the olympics is to remind everyone that we are a world family and that for a couple of days it is not about politics or religion it is about being human beings~Bush himself has said the government of China needs some major overhauling. But your entitled to your opinion but then so am I. I would rather try and let the Buchman family know that America also feels sadden by this news one of ourown is lost.
8-10-2008 @ 9:03PM
Charlie said...
Hello Lucy,
Don't disgrace this family by taking your chance to make a political stance over the death and critical injury of two people, especially when it only demonstrates your ignorance of the situation.
Imagine if you spent your entire life training for one specific event and suddenly someone told you that "Ohh, we've decided not to go; but you can try and make it again in 4 years. Thanks for showing up though!"
As long as we are discussing this, most people capitalize the "A" in "Americans." Although the word Americans actually means anyone from Canada, the US, Mexico, or any part of South America (we all live in the Americas after all). I believe you mean citizens of the United States of America.
I hope you can temper your ideas with the realization that not going to the Olympics, which should never be a sitting president’s choice but the choice of the USA Olympics committee is something that hurts more people that it could ever benefit as a political “sword.” The US and other countries have tried it in the past and it has never worked.
To respond to your comments about China, while it is true that they have a very brutal record on civil rights, you do not need to go that far to find a country with civil rights issues. You could simply ask an Arab-American or anyone of color in the US what it is like to live here.
8-12-2008 @ 1:16AM
Devon said...
Well Lucy, you are entitled to your opinions about the Olympics but i see them as an amazing thing. It is a chance to strengthen the foriegn relations and also a chance for everyone to come together. I for one am glad the Olympics are going on. I would rather watch great nations compete in athletics than in a war. And as far as the Bachman incident goes, it was a terrible act of violence from one person. It doesnt mean that all the Chinese or other nations want commit acts of violence towards the United States. I have set aside my week to cheer and support my country. Try not being such an insensitive bitch. Stereotypes suck.
8-09-2008 @ 8:32PM
monica said...
Its wonderful when so many people can come together without guns or weapons. I watched the opening ceremonies and it brought tears to my eyes. So much joy and happiness going on there. People are people. We just live in different areas of the world and its getting smaller and smaller. Lighten up.
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8-10-2008 @ 1:23AM
George B Vieto said...
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Todd Bachman. This tradegy could have occured anywhere since looney people are everywhere in this crazy world.
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8-11-2008 @ 9:45PM
ELIZABETH said...
IAM SORRY, I JUST HAVE TO ADD THIS.................
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA HA HA "FRANCE" ALONG WITH YOU BIG NOSE'S YOU HAVE BIG MOUTHS!
CONGRADULATIONS TO USA MALE SWIM TEAM. GREAT JOB WELL DONE. YOU DID YOURSELVES AND USA PROUD.
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8-11-2008 @ 8:19AM
Thomas Williams said...
Words are illusions. Actions are real. The reality is that for all of the hype about Chinese security being great, the reality of the Chinese security was that it was completely ineffective to this innocent couple and their guide.
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