A violent assault took place on the evening of Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology in Yixing, Jiangsu province, China. A former student of the institution, a 21-year-old identified by the surname Xu, initiated a stabbing spree that resulted in eight fatalities and 17 wounded individuals.
The assailant was apprehended at the scene, with local police reporting the incident starting approximately at 6:30 p.m.
Police reports suggest Xu had failed his exams and was unable to graduate from the institute, which allegedly led to his frustration and subsequent violent act. Xu had also voiced dissatisfaction with his internship compensation. The attack, which unfolded within the campus, incited fear and confusion among the institute’s students and staff. Emergency services swiftly arrived at the scene, secured the area, and administered medical aid to the victims.
The injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, with some in critical condition. Services for psychological support are also being provided to students and staff affected by the incident.
This assault follows a string of violent incidents in China, such as an episode on November 11, when a man drove an SUV into a crowd near a sports stadium in Zhuhai, resulting in 35 fatalities and 43 injuries.
These violent incidents have heightened public anxieties about safety in public areas and raised questions about potential social issues that might be leading to these acts. In response, President Xi Jinping has urged for increased vigilance and the necessity to address underlying social tensions to avoid such catastrophes. Concurrently, the Ministry of Public Security has vowed to fortify preventive measures and resolve grassroots-level conflicts.
China has experienced a number of violent attacks in schools and other educational institutions in recent years. In 2010, eight children were killed and five others injured in a school attack in Fujian province, which triggered significant reforms in school security and heightened mental health awareness.
Over time, numerous Chinese schools have adopted security measures such as metal detectors, security personnel deployment, and mandatory ID checks. However, the repeated instances of violence have raised doubts about the effectiveness of these security protocols.
In response to these incidents, Chinese authorities have stressed on the need for enhanced security at educational institutions and addressing mental health issues. However, there are calls from experts and officials for a more comprehensive approach that addresses both security measures and possible social grievances that could be fuelling such violent actions.
Investigations into the motives and circumstances surrounding these recent incidents are ongoing. The aim is to identify broader strategies to prevent future tragedies.