New Jersey Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Online Gaming Fight

A New Jersey man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly flying to Florida to attack a fellow gamer with a hammer. Authorities detailed the incident during a press briefing on Monday, emphasizing the serious and unexpected nature of the assault.

New Jersey Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Florida After Online Gaming Dispute

Edward Kang, 20, is accused of traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to Fernandina Beach, Florida, over the weekend to confront another gamer. The two had never met in person before the encounter, which escalated into violence. According to Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper, the dispute originated from an "online altercation," making this case particularly unusual.

Trash Talk Turns To Attempted Murder

Kang allegedly gained entry to the victim's home through an unlocked door, wearing all-black clothing, gloves, and a mask. He then attacked the victim with a hammer as the victim got up from gaming to use the bathroom late Saturday night.

The victim, who is believed to be around the same age as Kang, managed to wrestle his assailant to the ground. The victim's stepfather, awakened by screams, helped disarm and restrain Kang until deputies arrived. Sheriff Leeper described a gruesome scene, with a significant amount of blood found in both the entryway of the home and the victim's bedroom.

Read More: Ohio Man Hospitalized After Being Hit By Roller Coaster 

Arrested And Charged

The victim sustained severe head wounds during the attack but has since been released from the hospital. Kang was booked into the Nassau County Jail on Sunday, facing charges of attempted second-degree murder and armed burglary. Sheriff Leeper indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and charges may be upgraded.

When questioned about his motive, Kang allegedly told deputies that the victim is a "bad person online" and inquired about the potential jail time for his actions. Sheriff Leeper commented, "I would say, Mr. Kang, it will be a long time before you play video games."

How Did The Two Men Know Each Other?

The victim and Kang reportedly knew each other from the online video game ArcheAge, a Korean MMORPG that is ceasing operations in the United States due to declining player numbers. Kang had informed his family that he was going to meet a friend he met through the game years ago. He flew into Jacksonville, Florida, early Friday morning and stayed at a hotel near the victim's home. Receipts found in his hotel room revealed he had purchased a hammer and flashlight at a local hardware store upon arriving in Florida.

"This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential real-world consequences of online interaction," Sheriff Leeper said. "We urge the public to exercise caution, report any suspicious online behavior to the authorities, and always ensure that their homes are securely locked."