A tragic incident unfolded on the evening of November 11, 2024 in Zhuhai, China, when a 62-year-old man, identified by his last name Fan, deliberately drove his vehicle into a crowd at an outdoor sports center.

This horrific act resulted in the deaths of 35 individuals and left 43 others injured. The attack, described as "extremely vicious" by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, is considered the deadliest public assault in China in a decade.

Fan's actions were reportedly motivated by dissatisfaction with the division of property following his divorce. After the rampage, he attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by police.

During his capture, Fan was found self-harming with a knife inside his car and was subsequently hospitalized due to severe neck injuries, rendering him unconscious and unable to be interrogated.

The incident occurred just before the Zhuhai air show, China's largest aerospace trade expo, which added to the sensitivity of the situation. In response, a central government working group was dispatched to oversee the response efforts.

The attack has sparked widespread shock and mourning across China, with residents laying wreaths and flowers at the site, although these were swiftly removed by authorities.

This event highlights a concerning rise in random acts of violence in China, a country known for its low violent crime rates due to strict gun controls and extensive surveillance. Recent months have seen a surge in attacks on civilians, including incidents involving school children and other vulnerable groups.