The Hong Kong police on Wednesday said the officer who opened fire during Tuesday's dispersal operations was acting in self-defense.
In a regular press conference, Hong Kong police showed a video clip of the scene in which the officer was being attacked by rioters when he attempted to help his colleague who had fallen on the ground. During the operation, over 10 rioters attacked the police officers from all directions with rocks, sharpened poles and bricks.
The officer opened fire to protect his own life and the lives of his colleagues after giving warning in vain, which was lawful and reasonable, Tang Ping-keung, deputy commissioner of the Hong Kong police said.
A large number of protesters participated in unlawful assemblies in Causeway Bay, Sha Tin, Wong Tai Sin, Sham Shui Po, Tuen Mun, and Tsuen Wan, blocking roads, setting up barricades, vandalizing MTR stations and randomly committing arson on Tuesday.
