Top Hong Kong policeman gives thumbs up to officer who shot man in MTR station
- Force insists the photo was just a show of support for the policewoman and her colleagues, amid calls for an investigation into Wednesday’s incident
One of Hong Kong’s top policemen gave a literal thumbs up to one of his officers the day after she opened fire on a knife-wielding man in an MTR station, despite calls for an investigation into her decision to shoot in such a crowded place.
Photos circulated among officers after the director of operations, Chris Tang Ping-keung, tipped to be the next police chief, visited the officer, surnamed Yuen, and three colleagues at the Police Tactical Unit Kowloon West operational base in Shek Kip Mei at noon on Thursday.
A police spokesman said the gesture signified support for the officers involved as they endured tremendous pressure after the incident, and did not mean management was taking a side on the issue.
“It is necessary for the senior officer to cheer the group up and boost morale as they have gone through such a dangerous episode,” the spokesman said. “One must shoulder huge pressure after firing rounds while on duty.”
At about 7.40am that day, Yuen and her partner picked up a 55-year-old builder, surnamed Chow, as he appeared suspicious. During questioning, the officers said, Chow took a 15cm cutter from his backpack.
