Hong Kong lawmaker Junius Ho attacked by knife-wielding man

Junius Ho, a member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), was attacked at 8:44 a.m. local time on Wednesday near the Richland Garden mall in Tuen Mun.

Lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu speaks during a news conference in Hong Kong, China July 22, 2019. [File Photo: VCG]

Ho was injured when a man who was talking to him suddenly took a knife from his bag and stabbed him and his two assistants, who were also injured.

According to witnesses, the attacker was dressed in blue and approached Ho while holding a bouquet. Police said the attacker pretended to be a supporter of Ho before taking a knife from his bag.

Ho was sent to the hospital. Police said the attacker is under arrest, and an investigation is underway.

Ho later responded on social media following the incident, saying that he will keep fighting against violence and bring peace back in Hong Kong.

The spokesperson of the HKSAR government also strongly condemned the attack this morning.

In an interview with CGTN a few days ago, Ho just gave his views on possible attacks people will face.

"You never know when the black-clad will come, if they want to mobilize the villains to launch an attack against you. They could easily do it. So the black-clad or the rioters, the villains may come out from nowhere, and without giving you any prime warning."

The attack on Ho, who is running in Hong Kong's upcoming District Council election, came amid more than five months of sometimes violent political unrest in the Asian financial hub.

Lo Chun-yu and Chiang Ching-man are also contesting for the seat, ahead of an election to be held on November 24.