A Chinese court on Friday sentenced a 62-year-old man to death for deliberately ramming his car into a crowd at a sports complex in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, last month, killing 35 people and injuring 43 others. The tragedy has drawn widespread attention and scrutiny over public security in China.
The Zhuhai Intermediate People's Court found Fan Weiqiu guilty of endangering public safety through dangerous means, describing his actions as driven by "extremely vile" motives. The court said Fan's crime was "extremely egregious," citing the particularly cruel methods he used and the severe consequences of his attack.
On the evening of November 11, Fan drove his small SUV into a group of people exercising outside a sports complex, reportedly out of anger over his divorce settlement. The court found that Fan had decided to vent his frustration over the division of financial assets following his failed marriage.
Fan's criminal motive was extremely despicable, his offense heinous, and the harm caused to society immense, the court stated during its ruling. In addition to the death sentence, Fan was stripped of his political rights for life.
Fan was detained at the scene after inflicting knife wounds on himself and falling into a coma, according to police reports at the time. During the trial, which was attended by victims' families, lawmakers, and members of the public, Fan confessed to his crimes. His lawyer reviewed the evidence presented by prosecutors but offered no substantial defense.
The attack is the deadliest in China since a 2014 mass killing, further intensifying public concern about a series of violent incidents this year. In October, a man killed three people and injured 15 in a knife attack at a Shanghai supermarket. In November, eight people were fatally stabbed in Wuxi. These incidents have prompted Chinese authorities to pledge stronger measures to combat threats to public safety.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has called on local governments to take steps to prevent future "extreme cases" and bolster social stability. Despite China's reputation for maintaining strict public security, recent events have challenged this perception, with some analysts linking such incidents to growing economic frustrations and social stratification.
Fan's case has sparked debates about the underlying causes of such violent outbursts. While no direct connections have been established, experts suggest that economic challenges and personal grievances may be fueling a rise in desperate acts.
The court's swift sentencing is part of a broader effort to assure the public of China's commitment to maintaining order and upholding justice. Judicial authorities have emphasized the importance of addressing crimes that endanger public security, disrupt social stability, and harm people's lives and property.
In the aftermath of the attack, floral tributes left at the site were removed by security personnel, and initial police statements omitted mention of fatalities, leading to speculation about information control. Videos of the incident were also reportedly removed by online censors.
