A Korean man kill list discovered in Pennsylvania has led to the arrest of a 21-year-old restaurant employee accused of making terroristic threats against coworkers.
Authorities with the Altoona Police Department confirmed that Cedric J. Kim, a resident of East Freedom in Blair County, was taken into custody on July 13. He has been charged with making terroristic threats and causing public alarm.
According to a report by local broadcaster WTAJ, Kim worked for Zach’s Bar and Grill, a restaurant in Altoona. Police say Kim created a kill list targeting individuals at another location under the same restaurant group, Old Carolina Barbeque.
Investigators say Kim told multiple coworkers that he had written a manifesto and a kill list. He allegedly mentioned August 5 as the date he planned to carry out the act.
Several coworkers told police that Kim repeatedly made disturbing comments in the days leading up to his arrest, including references to a countdown and telling colleagues to “kill themselves.” One employee reported that Kim said he would release his manifesto “when his time was up.”
Law enforcement is investigating whether the planned date, August 5, is significant. The date marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and police are looking into a possible connection to Kim’s alleged plan.
According to restaurant management, Kim was known to be introverted but could become verbally aggressive when upset. He reportedly reacted negatively after being passed over for a promotion and was marked for termination.
Some staff described Kim as having sociopathic tendencies and said they kept their distance from him even before the threats surfaced.
Kim is currently being held at the Blair County Prison on $250,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 23.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
