China: Arson incident occurred at COVID-19 testing station in Tai Wai, Hong Kong, Feb. 12

Event

An arson incident occurred at a COVID-19 testing station near Sun Fong House in Sun Chui Estate, Tai Wai, Hong Kong, around 16:00 Feb. 12. Reports indicate that nearby staff subdued the perpetrator and firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. There were no reports of injuries. The culprit reportedly shouted an anti-government slogan before starting the fire. Officials have arrested and charged the perpetrator; investigations into the incident are underway.

Context

The Feb. 12 arson incident does not indicate an elevated threat of violent crime and is unlikely related to the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. The perpetrator, who has a history of mental illness, allegedly carried out the attack to express his dissatisfaction over the COVID-19 testing system. While the rising number of COVID-19 cases is causing delays at COVID-19 testing centers and leading to general discontent over the government's handling of the pandemic, further attacks are unlikely in the near term. The negative sentiment will also unlikely trigger large-scale protests due to ongoing COVID-19 social gathering restrictions and implementation of the National Security Law which gives authorities broad powers to crack down on political dissent.