An internet user criticized the misogynistic opinions that arose after the background of the case became known, stating that 'if he doesn't have a girlfriend, it's because no one controls him.' Censorship acted swiftly, removing images shared in the publications, intensifying the debate about information management in China following events of this magnitude.
The attack in Zhuhai, China, which left at least 35 dead and 43 injured, provoked a wave of solidarity among citizens. After the incident, many people went to donate blood to help the injured, demonstrating an act of generosity and support in critical moments.
In the past year, China has been the scene of several indiscriminate attacks against pedestrians, raising concerns in society. These episodes are often perpetrated by knife-wielding assailants and there have also been reports of vehicles running over crowds, generating a sense of insecurity among people.
Chinese authorities, following a serious incident like this mass attack, tend to exercise strict control over information, asking citizens not to spread rumors and to only attend to official statements. This pattern has been reinforced over the years, showing the sensitivity of the Chinese government to events of this nature.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a thorough investigation of the incident and requested all possible efforts to assist the injured. On the other hand, Prime Minister Li Qiang called for strengthening prevention and risk control to ensure social stability, emphasizing the importance of learning from this tragic event.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Fan, 62 years old, rammed into the crowd before fleeing the scene. Authorities have indicated that the attack may have been motivated by the suspect's dissatisfaction regarding the division of assets after his recent divorce, which has sparked a societal debate about potential causes and solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
