Zhuhai Car Attack: President Xi And Li Qiang Call For Swift Action And Investigation

Authorities in Zhuhai, a southern Chinese city, are facing backlash as they quickly clear memorials left by the public after a deadly car attack on Monday.

The tragedy, which occurred at a sports center in the city of 2.5 million people, saw 35 people killed and 43 others injured.

The attack was allegedly carried out by a man upset over his divorce settlement, who rammed his car into a crowd, triggering outrage and a massive social media response, as reported by US News. The government's delayed announcement of the death toll sparked frustration among the Chinese public, with many taking to social media to question the government's slow response and the state of mental health in the country. However, posts critical of the authorities were quickly censored.

Despite efforts to remove flowers, candles, and tributes from the site, local delivery drivers continued to drop off fresh floral tributes the following day. Authorities erected barriers around the makeshift memorial and deployed security personnel to prevent further gatherings, as reported by US News.

"I couldn't believe it at first, but when it was confirmed, I felt compelled to come and pay my respects," said Zheng, a local man who laid flowers at the site. "It's a spontaneous feeling; I've lost family, so I understand the grief."

Handwritten notes attached to the wreaths expressed heartfelt sentiments: one read, "May there be no demons in heaven," while another said, "Rest in peace, good will triumph over evil."

Meanwhile, state-run media outlets, including China's CCTV and China Daily, focused on other national events, such as President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to the APEC summit in Peru and coverage of the country's largest annual airshow, where a new stealth jet fighter was being showcased. The attack was notably absent from the main news bulletins, as per media report.

The central government did eventually release a statement through CCTV, with Xi Jinping ordering all-out efforts to treat the injured and demanding severe punishment for the attacker. A special team has been dispatched to guide the investigation.

This tragic event marks the deadliest mass killing in China in a decade, and follows a string of similar violent incidents. Despite tight security and strict gun laws, violent crime in China, especially knife attacks, has been rising in recent years, prompting public concerns about safety in public spaces.

As the investigation continues, the government is under pressure to respond adequately to both the tragedy and the public's growing demands for transparency and accountability.