A homeless man, Xiong Jin, allegedly stabbed a North Carolina tourist, Melissa Mauldin, in the cheek at Newark Airport. The incident occurred just eight days after Jin finished serving a nearly three-year prison sentence. Port Authority police witnessed the attack and quickly arrested Jin following the shocking stabbing, which left Mauldin with a nasty gash. Mauldin expressed her belief that Jin poses a serious danger to society and should remain in custody to prevent further harm to others. She was in New Jersey for a wedding in Hoboken when she was violently attacked by Jin, causing her to feel insecure despite her extensive travel experience.
Mauldin was taken to a local hospital where she received 14 stitches across the right side of her face and was treated for a fractured nose and cheekbone. Jin, who was charged with aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon, is currently in Essex County jail. Sources indicate that Jin is expected to face an upgraded charge of attempted murder in connection with the incident. Jin has a history of violence, including allegedly stabbing a New Jersey corrections officer in 2009 and two residents in 2007. He has also been accused of trying to stab the owner of a Chinese restaurant, resulting in several stints behind bars between 2009 and 2024.
The quick actions of Port Authority Police officer Ryan Mangold, who cuffed Jin, are credited with possibly saving Mauldin’s life. The Port Authority Police PBA praised Mangold’s response, stating that his immediate actions prevented further injury and potentially saved the victim’s life. The incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis and the crucial role they play in ensuring public safety. Jin’s violent criminal history and the severity of his latest attack on Mauldin have raised concerns about the need for stricter measures to prevent individuals with violent tendencies from causing harm to others.
Mauldin called for Jin to face the most severe punishment following his arrest, emphasizing the trauma and insecurity she experienced as a result of the attack. She expressed her commitment to ensuring that Jin does not inflict further violence on others and called for him to be detained in order to protect society from potential harm. The attack at Newark Airport has raised awareness about the importance of security and safety measures in public spaces, particularly in light of individuals with violent criminal histories who may pose a risk to others. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and effective law enforcement strategies to prevent and address violent acts in society.
Jin’s alleged history of violent behavior, including previous incidents of stabbing individuals, underscores the potential risks associated with releasing individuals with violent tendencies back into society. The seriousness of the attack on Mauldin has led to calls for stricter penalties and measures to prevent individuals with violent criminal histories from causing harm to innocent people. The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in dealing with repeat offenders and the importance of effective intervention and rehabilitation programs to address underlying issues that may lead to criminal behavior. The incident at Newark Airport serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of failing to address and adequately respond to individuals with a history of violence.
