China: 35 Killed After Car Rams into Crowd at Sports Center

story

Nov 12, 2024

Above: A police car is seen at the Zhuhai Sports Center, a day after a car rammed through the site killing dozens, in south China's Guangdong province on Nov. 12, 2024. Image copyright: HECTOR RETAMAL/Contributor/AFP via Getty Imagesstory last updated Nov 13

The Facts

At least 35 people were killed and 43 injured after a car rammed into a crowd outside a sports center in China's southern Zhuhai city on Monday.
According to the Zhuhai police, the 62-year-old suspect was detained as he attempted to flee the scene and is currently hospitalized and in a coma following self-inflicted knife wounds.

The Spin

Pro-China narrative

Though this incident is extremely vicious, violent crime is rare in China. It appears that this particular driver was resentful over a divorce settlement. However, he is still receiving medical treatment and will be questioned by the police and severely punished by the law once he is fit to undergo interrogation.

XINHUA

Anti-China narrative

Violent crime isn't as rare as China would have us believe. Despite strict laws, there have been several such attacks in recent months, which Beijing has been quick to censor. This latest incident took place amid heightened security and highlights the PRC's failure to screen potential attackers and resolve conflicts and disputes promptly.