JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A disturbingly intense online game feud led to real-world violence when 20-year-old Edward Kang allegedly traveled from Newark, New Jersey, to Jacksonville, Florida, to confront a rival player from the fantasy video game ArcheAge.
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper detailed the bizarre and brutal attack at a recent news conference, stating Kang allegedly assaulted his victim with a hammer after breaking into the victim’s home in Fernandina Beach. The attack followed a heated altercation that had escalated within the online gaming platform.
Upon arriving in Florida, Kang reportedly checked into the Ocean Coast Hotel, where he stayed until the incident. According to Sheriff Leeper, Kang visited an Ace Hardware store where he purchased the hammer and a flashlight- tools he later used during the assault. Receipts retrieved from his hotel room corroborated this purchase.
The encounter became violent after Kang entered the victim’s residence through an unlocked front door, dressed in full black attire, complete with gloves and a mask, and launched his attack. The assault was foiled by the victim’s stepfather, who was awakened by the commotion and screams for help.
Law enforcement found the home splattered with blood, signaling the violence of the struggle that occurred. Both parties were hospitalized. The victim suffered severe head wounds but was later released, while Kang was treated and taken into police custody.
Kang, who is currently held in Nassau County Jail, faces charges of attempted second-degree murder and armed burglary. During his detention, Kang reportedly justified his actions by claiming the victim was “a bad person online” and inquired about potential jail time for his crimes.
Sheriff Leeper used this incident to highlight the grave consequences of online disputes manifesting in real-life violence, advising the public to remain vigilant online and ensure their homes are securely locked.