On the evening of Saturday, November 16, 2024, a violent incident occurred at the Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology in Yixing, Jiangsu province, China, where a 21-year-old former student, identified by the surname Xu, carried out a stabbing attack that left eight people dead and injured 17 others. Local police reported that the attack began around 6:30 p.m., ending when Xu was apprehended at the scene.
Authorities revealed that Xu, who had previously failed his exams, was unable to graduate from the institute, a situation that reportedly fueled his frustration and eventual decision to attack. Additionally, Xu had expressed dissatisfaction with the wages he received during an internship. The assault, which took place within the campus grounds, caused panic and chaos among students and staff. Emergency responders arrived quickly, securing the area and providing medical assistance to the injured.
Law enforcement officials have not released the names of the victims, as they are still notifying the families. Those injured in the attack were transported to nearby hospitals, where they received medical attention, with some remaining in critical condition. Authorities are also offering psychological support to students and staff affected by the violence.
This incident follows a series of violent attacks in China, including a recent case on November 11, when a man drove an SUV into a crowd outside a sports stadium in Zhuhai, killing 35 people and injuring 43.
The two attacks have sparked public concern about safety measures in public spaces and raised questions about the social issues potentially contributing to these violent acts. President Xi Jinping responded by calling for heightened vigilance and the need to address underlying social tensions to prevent such tragedies, and the Ministry of Public Security pledged to strengthen preventive measures and resolve grassroots-level conflicts.
China has a recent history of attacks at schools and other educational institutions. In 2010, eight children were killed and five others injured in an attack on a school in Fujian province, leading to major reforms in school security and increased mental health awareness.
Over the years, many Chinese schools have implemented measures such as metal detectors, the deployment of security personnel, and mandatory ID checks in an effort to bolster campus security. Despite these efforts, the recurrence of violence has raised questions about the adequacy of these protocols.
Chinese authorities have responded to these attacks by emphasizing the importance of further enhancing security at educational institutions and addressing mental health issues. However, experts and officials are calling for more comprehensive approaches addressing security and the potential social grievances underlying such violent behavior.
Investigations into the motives and circumstances surrounding these recent incidents are still underway. The goal is to identify broader strategies to prevent future tragedies.
