Thirty-Five Killed in Mass Attack in Southern China

Thirty-Five Killed in Mass Attack in Southern China

Thirty-five people have lost their lives in southern China after a man drove his car into a crowd of people exercising at an outdoor sports center on Monday evening. This incident marks the deadliest known attack on the public in China within the last decade. Another 43 individuals sustained injuries and were hospitalized in the city of Zhuhai, according to local police.

Driver Apprehended, Motive Cited

The driver, identified as a 62-year-old male surnamed Fan, was apprehended by law enforcement as he attempted to flee the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that Fan may have been motivated by dissatisfaction with the outcome of a divorce settlement. He had reportedly filed multiple lawsuits and an ongoing retrial.

Highest Death Toll in a Decade

The death toll stands as the highest China has experienced since 2014, when terrorist attacks plagued the far western region of Xinjiang. However, recent months have witnessed a rise in random acts of violence targeting civilians, including school children, across the country. This has occurred amidst economic uncertainty, raising concerns among the public accustomed to low crime rates.

President Xi Jinping’s Response

Chinese President Xi Jinping has condemned the attack as “extremely vicious” and has called for severe punishment of the perpetrator in accordance with the law. The incident has drawn significant attention due to its proximity to a major airshow being hosted in Zhuhai.

Investigation and Censorship

Police have revealed that Fan’s vehicle breached the sports complex and struck individuals exercising around a track. He was later found self-harming with a knife and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Authorities have released limited information regarding the incident, initially stating that a car had “knocked down multiple pedestrians.” Censors have been active in removing online videos and moderating social media discussions about the attack.

Surveillance and Safety Concerns

China boasts one of the lowest violent crime rates globally due to strict gun controls and extensive surveillance. However, the surge in random attacks has highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of these measures. Authorities have been urged to take proactive steps to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.