A man convicted of killing 35 people in a deliberate car attack in Zhuhai, southern China, last month was sentenced to death on Friday, according to state media.
On November 11, 62-year-old Fan Weiqiu intentionally drove his small SUV into a group of people exercising outside a sports complex, marking the deadliest attack in China since 2014. Authorities detained Fan at the scene, where he was found with self-inflicted knife wounds and later fell into a coma.
Fan’s trial was held on Friday, and the court delivered its verdict the same day, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
The court condemned Fan’s actions, describing his motives as “extremely vile,” his crime as “particularly egregious,” and his methods as “exceptionally cruel.” The incident caused severe harm to society, the court noted. In the presence of some victims’ families, officials, and members of the public, Fan pleaded guilty.
Investigations revealed that Fan acted out of frustration over a failed marriage, personal grievances, and dissatisfaction with property division after his divorce. The court stated that he “decided to vent his anger” through the attack.
This incident adds to a series of mass casualty events in China this year, including stabbings and car attacks, challenging the country’s image of strong public security. Analysts have suggested these incidents may be linked to growing societal frustrations, economic stagnation, and increasing inequality.
