Pepper Spray Incident: Ko Wen-je States Immediate Explanation by Division Chief Could Reduce Confrontation
Regarding the pepper spray incident at Fengjia Night Market on April 17th, it was revealed that a police division chief accidentally sprayed it while testing. Ko Wen-je commented that a prompt initial explanation could have reduced costs, suspicion, and conflict.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 19:47
- 🔍 Collected: April 20, 2026 at 20:01 (14 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 20:06 (4 min after Collected)
Regarding the pepper spray incident on April 17th at Fengjia Night Market, where Ko Wen-je, the founding chairman of the People First Party, was allegedly sprayed by an unidentified person, investigations revealed it was the Sixth Precinct chief who accidentally sprayed it while testing on the ground. Ko Wen-je stated today that he believes the division chief would not intentionally spray pepper spray, but that an immediate explanation at the first moment could reduce investigation costs, suspicion, and confrontation, indicating areas for improvement.
Ko Wen-je posted on Facebook this afternoon stating that many people smelled a pungent odor at Fengjia Night Market, causing continuous coughing and watery eyes. Some suspected a pepper spray attack. After the Taichung City Police Bureau reviewed surveillance footage along the route, it was confirmed that pepper spray was sprayed four times, all due to the Sixth Precinct chief's accidental spray.
Ko Wen-je said that pepper spray is a method for police officers to achieve coercive control with minimal harm when facing resistance, attack, or escape, and there should be certain regulations for its use in duty. He added that when people notice something unusual, citizens report it, and even investigation teams begin their work, it would be sufficient for the division chief to proactively explain, thus avoiding much speculation.
Ko Wen-je stated that he believes the division chief would not intentionally spray pepper spray, but if an immediate explanation could be given at the first moment, it could reduce significant police investigation costs and reduce suspicion and confrontation. This is an area for improvement in this incident. He also thanked the Taichung City Police Bureau for their swift resolution of the case.
Additionally, People First Party spokesperson Chang Tong stated through media groups that for a high-ranking police officer to "test pepper spray" in a crowded area and cause "accidental spraying along the way 4 times" is a lapse in judgment. Furthermore, it took over 24 hours for the party involved to admit the accidental spray, consuming police resources during that period. We hope the subsequent investigation will be fair and just, restoring harmony to society. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150420
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Ko Wen-je posted on Facebook this afternoon stating that many people smelled a pungent odor at Fengjia Night Market, causing continuous coughing and watery eyes. Some suspected a pepper spray attack. After the Taichung City Police Bureau reviewed surveillance footage along the route, it was confirmed that pepper spray was sprayed four times, all due to the Sixth Precinct chief's accidental spray.
Ko Wen-je said that pepper spray is a method for police officers to achieve coercive control with minimal harm when facing resistance, attack, or escape, and there should be certain regulations for its use in duty. He added that when people notice something unusual, citizens report it, and even investigation teams begin their work, it would be sufficient for the division chief to proactively explain, thus avoiding much speculation.
Ko Wen-je stated that he believes the division chief would not intentionally spray pepper spray, but if an immediate explanation could be given at the first moment, it could reduce significant police investigation costs and reduce suspicion and confrontation. This is an area for improvement in this incident. He also thanked the Taichung City Police Bureau for their swift resolution of the case.
Additionally, People First Party spokesperson Chang Tong stated through media groups that for a high-ranking police officer to "test pepper spray" in a crowded area and cause "accidental spraying along the way 4 times" is a lapse in judgment. Furthermore, it took over 24 hours for the party involved to admit the accidental spray, consuming police resources during that period. We hope the subsequent investigation will be fair and just, restoring harmony to society. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150420
Stand with facts, and your every sponsorship is the power to protect the freedom of the press.
Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP for real-time updates.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.
Keywords: