Hong Kong mall murders: city leader vows review of mental health services after man ‘suffering from schizophrenia’ stabs 2 women in frenzied attack
- Chief Executive John Lee outlines follow-up measures to be taken by disciplined services, health and welfare officials
- Medical sources say attacker suffers from schizophrenia, while Hospital Authority confirms he was receiving treatment at public specialist outpatient clinic
Hong Kong’s leader has pledged to review the city’s mental health services after two women were stabbed to death in a frenzied attack by a man who sources say was just days away from an appointment at a public clinic to manage his schizophrenia.
After extending his condolences to the victim’s families on Saturday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu outlined four follow-up measures that disciplined services, health and welfare officials would take, while stressing the incident was an “individual case”.
“The Health Bureau and Hospital Authority will review the treatment and rehabilitation procedures of public psychiatric services,” he said. “The bureau will also work with the Advisory Committee on Mental Health to explore ways to enhance people’s mental well-being comprehensively.”
The Social Welfare Department would also improve services at the city’s 24 integrated community centres for mental wellness, he added.
Stressing the incident was an “individual case” and the city remained very safe, Lee also said police would step up patrols in heavily populated areas.
He also urged residents not to share footage of the attack, which they might find disturbing.
Asked whether the city should cancel promotional events for the government’s “Happy Hong Kong” campaign, Lee said the activities would be good for residents’ mental health.
