A tragic act of violence in southern China has ended in the death sentence for a man who deliberately drove his car into a crowd, killing 35 people.
A Brutal Incident
Fan Weiqiu, 62, carried out the attack on November 11 at Zhuhai Sports Center, targeting individuals exercising at the outdoor venue. Fueled by anger over his divorce and an alleged unfair settlement, Fan plowed his vehicle into unsuspecting victims in the deadliest public violence incident in China in a decade.
According to court findings, Fan’s actions were calculated and merciless, with the Intermediate People’s Court in Zhuhai condemning the brutality and despicable nature of his crime. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to death on Friday, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
Details of the Attack
Around 8 p.m., Fan drove his small off-road vehicle across the grounds, striking dozens of people. Police discovered him in his car, attempting self-harm with a knife, and transported him to the hospital.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping condemned the attack, calling it “extremely vicious,” and demanded harsh punishment. This event marked the highest death toll from a single act of public violence since 2014, when similar incidents shook the Xinjiang region.
A Nation on Edge
This case is part of a disturbing trend of random public violence in China, often attributed to mounting social and economic pressures. Fan’s sentencing follows a separate incident in Hunan province, where a man rammed his car into a crowd outside a primary school, injuring 30 people.
Authorities continue to grapple with the unsettling rise in violent acts, determined to deliver swift justice and restore public confidence.
