Police in Hong Kong fatally shoot man brandishing cleaver during Tuen Mun Mall incident

HONG KONG: A late-night shopping district in Hong Kong’s Tuen Mun was thrown into chaos after police shot and killed a man who was seen brandishing a meat cleaver near Tuen Mun Town Plaza on Thursday night.

The incident occurred at around 7:13pm along Tuen Wui Road, close to Tuen Mun Town Hall, an area frequented by families and shoppers.

According to police, the suspect — a 34-year-old Hong Kong identity card holder — had seized a knife from a nearby store’s kitchen area before heading outside.

A shop clerk who witnessed the man taking the weapon quickly alerted the authorities.

Panic Erupts as Suspect Advances

Videos circulating online show the man dressed in a white shirt and carrying a black backpack, holding a large meat cleaver estimated to be about 30 centimetres long.

In the footage, he can be seen gesturing aggressively on the street before moving toward the entrance of a shopping mall.

As word spread and the threat became apparent, panic erupted.

Dozens of shoppers were seen fleeing the area, with screams audible in some of the videos. 

Amid the scramble to escape, two women reportedly fell to the ground after a brief struggle involving the suspect, though both later escaped without serious injury.

Police Open Fire to Protect Civilians

Police officers arriving at the scene attempted to manage the situation as the suspect continued advancing.

Authorities said an officer opened fire after determining that the man posed an immediate danger to members of the public.

At least two shots were alleged to have been fired. The suspect collapsed at the scene with an apparent stomach wound and was later taken unconscious to Tuen Mun Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police said the decision to use lethal force was made to protect a passer-by and prevent further harm.

Mental Health and Drugs Under Investigation

According to police, preliminary information provided by the man’s family suggested a history of mental illness, though this has not yet been formally confirmed. Officers also said the suspect may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.

A search of his belongings reportedly uncovered a retractable baton and a packet of suspected illegal drugs in his bag. These findings are now part of the ongoing investigation.

Questions and Ongoing Scrutiny

The shooting has sparked renewed public discussion about police use of force, mental health intervention, and public safety in crowded urban spaces. Authorities have said the incident will be investigated in accordance with established procedures, including a review of the officers’ actions.

No further injuries were reported, but the incident left many residents shaken, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly ordinary public spaces can turn into scenes of danger.

Investigations into the full circumstances surrounding the shooting remain ongoing.