Relative of US Volleyball Coach Killed in Beijing

ESPN is reporting this morning that relatives of a US Volleyball coach were attacked by a knife-wielding man around mid-day today while they were sightseeing at the 13th century Drum Tower, located just five miles away from the Olympic Green. One of the Americans was killed and one seriously injured. The attacker reportedly then committed suicide by jumping from the second story of the Tower.

Such violence against foreigners is rare in China, especially with the high-security surrounding the Olympic Games.

ESPN quotes the official Xinhua News Agency as identifying the assailant as Tang Yongming, 47, of Hangzhou Province. No motive was disclosed for the crime. The names of the victims are being withheld until family members can be notified.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those attacked and their families.

Update 11am:ABC News is reporting that the person killed was Todd Bachman, father of former Olympian Elisabeth Bachman (volleyball at 2004 Games). Bachman is married to US Volleyball coach, Hugh McCutcheon. Bachman’s wife, Barbara was hospitalized.