An Australian national has been taken into custody in Hong Kong following an incident involving a “pistol-like object” in a bar. The local authorities have reported that the individual, aged 36, also caused damage to property while in detention.
The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) dispatched counterterrorism units and emergency responders after receiving reports about the man allegedly brandishing the object on Wednesday evening. Images reviewed by the ABC display the individual, whose face was obscured by a black hood, being escorted by law enforcement in the Jordan area.
While various local news sources suggested that the seized item might have been a “toy gun,” the ABC has not been able to independently verify this information. According to a statement from the HKPF, the individual faces charges for possessing an imitation firearm and for criminal damage.
“Upon arrival at the scene, officers confiscated a suspected air gun,” an HKPF representative informed ABC News. “While detained at Yau Ma Tei Police Station, he caused damage to a wall and a smoke detector, which resulted in an additional charge of criminal damage.”
The case is scheduled to be presented at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has confirmed that it is assisting the family of the detained citizen.
Police were first alerted shortly after 10 PM on Wednesday when reports indicated that the man was seen carrying a “pistol-like object” in an alley adjacent to Shanghai Street in Yau Ma Tei. Approximately 15 minutes later, authorities received a second report indicating that he had attempted to enter a bar in the Jordan district.
According to local media outlet The Standard, the man entered the bar to use the restroom, prompting a staff member to contact the police and request that he leave. Reports indicated that he was on holiday with family and had been consuming alcohol.
Hong Kong enforces stringent regulations concerning firearms and imitation firearms, although toy guns are permitted for sale in specific retail outlets. Security protocols have been enhanced in recent years, particularly following extensive anti-extradition protests in 2019.
Enshen Li, an associate professor at City University of Hong Kong, noted that the legal ramifications would hinge on whether the object in question is classified as an imitation firearm or a toy. Dr. Li explained that possession of an imitation firearm could violate the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, potentially resulting in a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment. If the object is determined to be a toy gun, the individual might face a charge for negligently using an air gun in a manner that could endanger or annoy others, carrying a possible penalty of up to HK$500 (approximately $90) or three months in jail.
“The judge will weigh all pertinent mitigating and aggravating factors when determining the sentence,” Dr. Li added.
