The suspect in an acid attack appeared in court Monday and will be back in court Wednesday.

29-year-old Sebastian Mahkwan has been charged with attempted murder and assault charges.

While the victim, Danying Zhang will have permanent disfigurement, because of the severity of the burns – according to court documents

Zhang is from Beijing, where this case has attracted attention.

In Hawaii, there has been an outpouring of support for the victim of the acid attack, who received third degree burns and life threatening injuries.

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Suspect in acid attack near Ala Moana Center makes first court appearance

HONOLULU (Island News) — The man accused of a chemical attack near the Ala Moana Center made his first court appearance on Monday. And it’s been confirmed through investigation the attack was random.

Sebastian Mahkwan, 29, is charged for second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault. His bail was set at $2 million.

The victim, Danying Zhang, was walking at night near Planet Fitness Ala Moana when he allegedly threw a liquid chemical on her.

Police on Thursday arrested Mahkwan in connection with the crime.

Zhang was a guest teacher at Maryknoll School through an international exchange program. She is from Beijing.

That attack made national headlines in China, according to the Honolulu chapter of the US-China Peoples Friendship Association (PFA).

Locally, the PFA supports long-term visitors from China, including Zhang. It tells Island News:

“Our association is devastated by the tragedy that has befallen her, and many of our members have contributed to the GoFundMe account started by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. In addition, individual members with specialized backgrounds have reached out to offer medical, legal, and spiritual support, if and when she might need or choose to accept such assistance. This case has become national news in China, and the photos shared by the media in Hawaii are causing distress to Ms. Zhang’s family. We have been asked by sources in China to please help to protect their privacy.”

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HPD: Victim critically injured in chemical attack will likely suffer permanent disfigurement

Jan. 29, 2024

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The victim in a horrific chemical attack near Ala Moana Center will likely have permanent disfigurement and suffered burns to much of her body, including her mouth and throat.

That’s according to police statements included in newly released court documents.

In the documents, police detail the egregious nature of the attack last week and note that the suspect — Sebastian Mahkwan — was known to police. He’s been charged with attempted murder and made his initial appearance in court on Monday, where a judge confirmed his bail at $2 million.

The new court documents do not clarify a possible motive.

A good Samaritan said the victim told her that she did not know the suspect, but police have not confirmed that or commented on whether the attack was apparently random.

The victim has been identified as a Chinese language teacher at Maryknoll School. The U.S. China Peoples Friendship Association said 25-year-old Danying Zhang is in Hawaii as part of an exchange program.

She was critically injured in the attack and remains hospitalized.