At least one pro-democracy protester was shot by police at close-range Monday, with another counter-demonstrator “set on fire” as Hong Kong authorities attempt to crack-down on the escalating violence sweeping the region.
“A pro-democracy protester was shot at close range and a counterprotester was set on fire as violence continued to engulf Hong Kong on Monday morning, with the disturbing images of street fights and escalating attacks from both sides drowning out an appeal by the city’s embattled leader for an end to demonstrations,” reports Fox News.
“Carrie Lam, the pro-China chief executive of Hong Kong, laid the blame for the ongoing demonstrations deteriorating into chaos squarely at the feet of the pro-democracy protesters, who she labeled ‘rioters.’ But videos emerging from the autonomous Chinese territory showed the mayhem being instigated from all angles,” adds Fox.
“If there’s still any wishful thinking that by escalating violence, the Hong Kong [special administrative region of China] government will yield to pressure, to satisfy the so-called political demands, I’m making this statement clear and loud here: that will not happen,” said Lam.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Source: Fox News
HONG KONG CHAOS: Police Shoot into Crowd of Pro-Democracy Protesters with Live Ammunition
Hong Kong riot police fired a live-round of ammunition into a crowd of pro-Democracy protesters Tuesday as Beijing prepares to celebrate the 70th anniversary of their communist revolution.
“Hong Kong police shot a teenage protester at close range in the chest Tuesday, leaving him bleeding and howling on the ground, in a fearsome escalation of anti-government demonstrations that spread across the semi-autonomous Chinese territory. Tens of thousands marched in a day of rage as Communist leaders in Beijing celebrated 70 years in power,” reports the Associated Press.
“While officers have previously fired warning shots in the air on multiple occasions during months of protests in Hong Kong, this was the first time a protester is known to have been shot. There were other instances Tuesday when officers also drew their weapons, including two with bloodied faces who pointed pistols, as protesters and riot police fought fierce battles at multiple locations in the city on edge, with many determined to spoil the Oct. 1 anniversary of Communist rule,” adds the AP.
“They are squeezing our necks so we don’t breathe the air of freedom,” said one protester.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
HONG KONG ERUPTS: Riot Police Officer Aims His Pistol at Protesters, Situation Escalating
A police officer in riot gear drew his pistol on a group of pro-Democracy protesters at Hong Kong International Airport Tuesday; escalating an already tense situation after demonstrators shut down the transportation hub for a second straight day.
“Police officer had his baton taken from him and was attacked with it. Drew his pistol and aimed at protesters. Astonished nobody killed here tonight,” posted a reporter from the Wall Street Journal.
Police officer had his baton taken from him and was attacked with it. Drew his pistol and aimed at protesters. Astonished nobody killed here tonight. pic.twitter.com/Wox8yziDnz
— Mike Brrrrrd (@Birdyword) August 13, 2019
A group of pro-Democracy protesters sang the United States’ national anthem after demonstrators shut-down Hong Kong International Airport for the second day in a row.
Video from Hong Kong shows pro-democracy protesters waving American flags and singing the American National Anthem.
Demonstrations have shutdown the city's airport for a second consecutive day and put the entire Chinese city on edge. pic.twitter.com/ZrYE5DzZYU
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 13, 2019
Riot police have reportedly entered Hong Kong International Airport to disperse pro-Democracy protesters after demonstrations prompted officials to cancel all flights for the second day in a row.
Our correspondent @RamsaySky says protesters and press are being hit on the head as police move into Hong Kong airport.
Follow live updates here: https://t.co/JhcULilG3y pic.twitter.com/zZXh6ZuxNs
— SkyNews (@SkyNews) August 13, 2019
“Hong Kong International Airport canceled all flights for the second straight day on Tuesday as crowds of anti-government protesters clashed with police as they continued to occupy the terminals,” reports ABC News.
LIVE NOW: Protesters, police are clashing in Hong Kong International Airport after another day of demonstrations shut down flights: https://t.co/pY15j96GDL
— ABC News (@ABC) August 13, 2019
“Terminal operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted, and all check-in processes have now been suspended,” the airport authority said in a statement.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.