• A 62-year-old man, Fan Weiqiu, was sentenced to death after deliberately driving into a crowd in Zhuhai, China, killing 35 people and injuring 43 others in retaliation over a divorce settlement.
• The incident is part of a recent surge in violent “revenge on society” crimes, prompting Chinese authorities to address personal disputes and strengthen public safety measures.
• The government has faced criticism over delayed release of details and censorship following the attack, while residents mourn and call for stronger prevention efforts.

A court in Zhuhai, China, has sentenced a 62-year-old man, Fan Weiqiu, to death for driving into a crowd and killing 35 people in a deliberate attack last month. The incident, which took place at a sports center, injured 43 others and shocked the nation, prompting widespread discussions about mass killings and public safety.

The court delivered the sentence on Friday, describing Fan’s motive as “extremely despicable” and the attack as “particularly cruel.” Officials said Fan carried out the attack because he was angry over his divorce settlement, and he admitted guilt for endangering public safety with dangerous methods. Authorities reported that Fan attempted to stab himself with a knife while inside his vehicle after the attack.

National Concerns Rise Over Public Safety

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This horrific event was one of several violent attacks in China during late October and November, raising concerns about “revenge on society” crimes. These types of crimes are often carried out by individuals seeking revenge over personal grievances, such as troubled relationships or financial losses.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping responded to the uptick in violence by ordering local governments to address potential triggers for aggression, including disputes related to marriage or inheritance. In response, officials vowed to proactively resolve personal conflicts to prevent similar incidents.

Swift Justice in Wake of Tragedy

Fan’s death sentence marks one of the fastest legal responses to such cases in China. Normally, court cases take much longer to conclude, but the urgency of recent events has accelerated the process. Earlier in the week, a court in Hunan province handed down a suspended death sentence to another driver who injured 30 people by driving into a group of elementary school students and their parents. Unlike Fan’s case, that sentence will likely be commuted to life in prison after two years.

Both cases highlight growing frustration among residents and officials about the escalation of violence targeting crowds. Attacks with vehicles or knives have occurred sporadically in China over the years, but the recent surge, coupled with the high number of victims, has renewed focus on prevention measures.

Details Emerge Slowly After Attack

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The government’s tight control over information delayed the release of key details about the Zhuhai attack. Authorities did not announce the death toll until 24 hours after the incident, and videos or eyewitness reports posted online were quickly censored. Police confirmed that Fan deliberately drove into people who were exercising at the sports center, and they later set up barricades to block public access to the site.

Members of the community, however, expressed their grief by leaving flowers in a nearby square. The attack left a deep scar on the local population, with many questioning what more can be done to avoid such tragedies in the future.

Stricter Regulations and Monitoring

The government’s response to these attacks has focused on addressing underlying causes, such as personal disputes that escalate into violence. While authorities have not disclosed specific new prevention measures, local leaders are expected to strengthen surveillance and improve conflict mediation efforts.

As China grapples with these violent outbursts, the nation’s focus remains on protecting public safety and ensuring that individuals do not use societal grievances as justification for mass harm.

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