Gwangju Police Union: "Death of Violent Suspect Was a Result of Legitimate Official Duty"

"Although the Suspect's Death is Regrettable, It Was Lawful Law Enforcement"
Call for Protection and Support for the Seriously Injured Police Officer

Gwangju Police Agency building.

The Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency Workplace Council on the 26th requested protection and support for police officers, stating that the death of the suspect in the knife rampage incident was "an event that occurred during legitimate official duties."

The executive board of the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency Workplace Council stated in a position statement that, "Although it is unfortunate that the suspect has died, this incident occurred in the process of lawful law enforcement," and added, "We extend our deepest condolences to the deceased suspect and their family."

They went on to emphasize, "We ask the leadership to pay special attention so that the morale of our colleagues does not decline by providing protection, support, consolation, and encouragement to the police officer who was seriously injured." They also added, "We will take appropriate measures to ensure that our colleagues on the scene do not suffer further harm."

The incident occurred at around 3:10 a.m. in an alley on Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju. Police were dispatched after receiving a report from a woman saying, "Someone is following me," and fired live ammunition while trying to subdue Mr. A (51), who was wielding a weapon at the scene. Mr. A died, and the responding officer was also seriously injured by the weapon wielded by Mr. A.

It is reported that the police used warning broadcasts, a taser, and blank rounds, but fired live ammunition when Mr. A continued to resist.