On the evening of the 17th, former Taiwan People's Party chairman Ko Wen-je accompanied a candidate to Fengjia Night Market in Taichung for street canvassing and vote-seeking. During the event, it was shockingly reported that an unidentified person approached on a motorcycle and sprayed pepper spray towards the crowd and into the air, causing several volunteers and accompanying staff to suffer from respiratory discomfort. Bystanders at the scene were also affected, raising concerns about public safety.
From the live broadcast footage, Ko Wen-je can be seen covering his nose with his hand and appearing visibly uncomfortable, while the surrounding volunteers can be heard coughing repeatedly.
Liu Qin-Yu, a candidate for Xitun District City Council, said that while she and Ko Wen-je were canvassing at Fengjia Night Market, two unidentified individuals riding a motorcycle maliciously sprayed pepper spray at the volunteers and into the air. The incident caused severe respiratory distress to many at the scene and posed a serious threat to public safety, for which she strongly condemns this violent act.
The Taichung City Police reported that they have already acquired relevant information. After accepting the report, police will review surveillance footage from Fengjia commercial area and nearby intersections at the time of the incident, in order to track the motorcycles and clarify the identity and motive of those involved.