In an alarming event in Shanghai, China, a stabbing spree within a Walmart supermarket led to the death of three individuals and injuries to 15 others on the evening of September 30, 2024. The incident transpired at the Ludu International Commercial Plaza located in the Songjiang district, a lively region in the southwest part of the city.
As reported by local authorities, the suspect, a 37-year-old man identified by the last name “Lin,” was apprehended at the scene. The police revealed that Lin had traveled to Shanghai to “vent his anger due to a personal economic dispute.” Investigations regarding the motive behind the attack are currently underway. Law enforcement stated that the victims succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, while the remaining injured individuals are anticipated to recover, as their injuries are not life-threatening.
An eyewitness who goes by the name “Shi” described the scene to BBC News as being littered with blood. He runs a jewelry store on the ground level of the Ludu International Commercial Plaza and shared his observations of numerous firefighters and SWAT officers entering the mall and directing people to vacate the premises. Shi mentioned that the incident was initially unclear until he witnessed people fleeing in fear. He remarked that the incident was unexpected and deeply unnerving, and he was fortunate to have narrowly escaped injury.
The supermarket started operations again the next day, with increased security measures in place. In China, where gun ownership is heavily restricted, there has been a disturbing increase in knife assaults, causing growing concerns for the authorities.
Previously, a Japanese student of 10 years was killed in a stabbing incident near his school in southern China. In June, four American college instructors were assaulted and stabbed in a public park in the city of Jilin, situated in the northeast. In an incident a month prior, a man stabbed and killed two people, leaving 21 others injured at a hospital in the southern province of Yunnan, China.
The full understanding of Lin’s motive is pending, and authorities have pledged to provide more information as the investigation progresses. In the meantime, local law enforcement has intensified patrols and fortified security in public spaces throughout the city.