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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Crime & Justice

Taichung commercial building becomes shooting range: MP5 fires 13 shots, local mothers horrified by nearby children's classes

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A man with alleged Triad ties fired 13 shots from an MP5 submachine gun at the glass door of a commercial building in Taichung.
  • The shooting occurred early in the morning and caused no injuries, but raised alarm due to nearby children's art and dance studios.
  • Residents expressed fear about the proximity of the shooting to educational facilities and the increasing accessibility of firearms.

A brazen shooting incident in Taichung has sparked public outrage and fear, particularly among parents, after a man allegedly fired 13 shots from an MP5 submachine gun at a commercial building. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning in the Xiqu District, targeting the glass door of a private club within the building.

The opposite building has children's dance classrooms, and further down there are math cram schools. It's really terrifying.

— Local residentCommenting on social media about the shooting's proximity to children's facilities.

The 37-year-old suspect, reportedly linked to the Tian Dao Meng triad, is believed to have been involved in a dispute before opening fire. While no injuries were reported, the location of the shooting has caused significant alarm. The commercial building is situated directly opposite a complex housing numerous children's art and dance studios, as well as yoga and fitness centers. Nearby, several cram schools and an elementary school are also located.

Local mothers voiced their shock and concern on social media, with one noting she had previously taken her child to a summer camp in the very building that was shot at. The proximity to so many child-focused activities, especially during after-school hours, has left residents deeply unsettled. Comments flooded social media platforms, with users expressing horror at the potential for stray bullets to hit children attending nearby classes or being picked up by parents.

Parents pick up their children nearby every day. What if stray bullets fly around?

— Local residentExpressing concern about the safety of children in the area.

Adding to the unease, residents reported that the commercial building was frequently visited by luxury vehicles and individuals associated with organized crime. The shooting has revived memories of past violent incidents, including a notorious case from over two decades ago where a pregnant woman was permanently disabled by a stray bullet. The incident has intensified concerns about gun violence and the ease with which firearms appear to be obtained in Taiwan.

How are guns becoming easier to get now?

— Local residentQuestioning the accessibility of firearms following the shooting.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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