A homeless man, Xiong Jin, allegedly stabbed a North Carolina tourist, Melissa Mauldin, in the cheek at Newark Airport just eight days after being released from prison. Port Authority police witnessed the attack and quickly arrested the suspect. Mauldin called for Jin to face the most severe punishment, stating that he 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 when she was violently attacked from behind by Jin, leaving her with a gash on her face, a fractured nose, and cheekbone.
Mauldin, who travels for a living, expressed how the incident has stripped away her sense of security. She was taken to a local hospital where she received 14 stitches on her face. Jin was charged with aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon and is currently in Essex County jail. Sources indicate that Jin may face an upgraded charge of attempted murder. This was not the first time Jin was involved in violent incidents, as he had previously stabbed a corrections officer and residents of homes he was invited into, as well as attempted to stab the owner of a Chinese restaurant.
Reports show that Jin had served multiple prison sentences between 2009 and 2024, with his most recent release occurring on August 17, 2021, following an aggravated assault conviction. The Port Authority Police PBA commended Officer Ryan Mangold for his quick actions in apprehending Jin, potentially saving Mauldin’s life. PBA President Frank Conti stated that the officer’s actions prevented further injury and possibly saved the victim’s life. He emphasized that situations like these highlight the dangers that police officers face on any given day and are often overlooked or downplayed.
The incident at Newark Airport has left Mauldin traumatized and feeling a loss of security that she had previously taken for granted during her travels. She is determined to ensure that Jin does not inflict further violence on others. Despite the physical injuries she sustained, including a fractured nose and cheekbone, Mauldin is focusing on advocating for justice and ensuring that Jin faces the consequences of his actions. Jin’s history of violent behavior, including previous assaults with a sharpened pencil and knife, highlights the critical need for preventive measures to be taken to protect the public from individuals with a history of violence.
The shocking stabbing at Newark Airport has brought attention to the issue of repeat offenders and the potential dangers they pose to society. Jin’s criminal history and previous violent incidents indicate a pattern of behavior that poses a serious threat to public safety. The swift response of the Port Authority police in apprehending Jin and preventing further harm to Mauldin serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers in protecting the public from harm. The incident has also underscored the importance of ensuring that individuals with a history of violence are closely monitored and prevented from causing harm to others in the future.
