New Jersey player flies to Florida to attack online rivals with hammer

An online gaming rivalry escalated when a 20-year-old man traveled from New Jersey to Florida and attacked another gamer with a hammer. Although they never met in person, Edward Kang arrived in Fernandina Beach on Sunday and allegedly attacked the victim, police said.

Kang now faces serious charges, including attempted premeditated murder and armed burglary while wearing a mask, according to Nassau County court records.

In a press conference, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said Kang and the victim – also about the same age – had been playing ArcheAge, a medieval fantasy multiplayer online role-playing game. The sheriff called the case “odd.”

“Some things you just can’t make up,” he added.

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Kang flew from New Jersey to Florida and told his mother he was visiting a friend he met online, authorities reported. After landing, Kang bought a hammer at a local hardware store and then made his way to the victim’s home, which was reportedly unlocked.

Kang confronted the victim at the house around 2 a.m. and struck him in the head with the hammer. The victim suffered multiple head injuries but was able to call for help. As the victim struggled with Kang, his stepfather intervened and helped restrain the attacker until police arrived at the scene.

The victim survived the attack and received medical treatment for his injuries, which were described as serious but not life-threatening, ABC News reported.

While in custody, Kang called the victim a “bad person on the internet.” He asked officers how long he would go to jail for burglary and assault. An officer responded, “It’ll be a long time before you play video games again.”

Kang is being held without bail and has no lawyer.

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