Anger on streets after protester shot

Hundreds of college students were yesterday striking to condemn the police shooting of their classmate during surging violence at Hong Kong pro-democracy protests that marred China’s National Day.

It was the first time a protester had been struck by gunfire since the protests began in June and is sure to inflame anger at police, who have been accused of using excessive force against the demonstrators.

Police have said the officer feared for his life and his shooting of the 18-year-old student was “reasonable and lawful”.

The officer fired the single pistol shot as protesters swarmed toward him, Police Commissioner Stephen Lo said, hitting the 18-year-old on the left side of his chest.

Hong Kong’s hospital authority said the teen was one of two people in critical condition after the clashes.

Students at the Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu memorial college — which the teen attended — called police “murderer” yesterday. They chanted anti-police slogans and demanded accountability.

Hong Kong police shot the protester in the chest at close range, leaving the teenager bleeding and howling on the ground after protests rapidly turned violent. Tens of thousands joined anti-government demonstrations that spread across the semi-autonomous Chinese territory on Tuesday in a challenge to Beijing’s dominance as the Communist Party celebrated 70 years in power.

While officers have fired warning shots in the air on multiple occasions during months of unrest, this was the first time a protester has been struck by gunfire.

As protesters hoped, the chaos in Hong Kong contrasted with anniversary festivities in Beijing, which included a muscular parade of military might.