Ko Wen-je Pepper Spray Incident: Ministry of Interior Orders Enhanced Security for Nine-in-One Elections
Following the accidental pepper-spraying of TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je by a Taichung police chief, the Ministry of Interior respected the demotion and ordered heightened security for the upcoming local elections.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 14:36
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 15:01 (25 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 15:49 (47 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA Reporters Kao Hua-chien, Lai Yu-chen, Taipei, 23rd) Regarding the pepper spray incident involving Taiwan People's Party founding chairman Ko Wen-je, investigations revealed it was mistakenly sprayed by Taichung City Police Bureau Sixth Precinct Chief Chou Chun-ming. The Ministry of Interior stated today that it does not comment on individual cases, but has requested the National Police Agency to continuously strengthen security maintenance, risk assessment, and intelligence gathering for the upcoming nine-in-one local elections at the end of the year.
On the evening of the 17th, Ko Wen-je accompanied party candidate for Taichung City Councilor Liu Chin-yu to sweep the Fengchia Night Market, during which he was sprayed with pepper spray. On the morning of the 18th, Liu Chin-yu went to the Sixth Precinct to file an injury lawsuit. Police investigation found that Sixth Precinct Chief Chou Chun-ming accidentally sprayed it during security operations. Chou was not only given a demerit but also removed from his post and transferred to a non-managerial role as a Police Supervisor in the Taipei City Police Bureau.
During a press conference following the Executive Yuan meeting today, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Li Hui-chih responded to media inquiries, stating that the relevant punishments were recommended by the Taichung City Government Police Bureau and approved by the National Police Agency. The Executive Yuan respects the handling of this specific case.
Li Hui-chih said that the National Police Agency has also explained to the public that, regarding the security maintenance of candidates, service centers, and campaign activities for the future nine-in-one local elections, it will continuously require all police agencies to strengthen risk assessment and intelligence gathering.
Deputy Minister of Interior Tung Chien-hung added that the Ministry respects the National Police Agency's investigation and disciplinary results. The NPA believes that Chou Chun-ming, as the on-site duty commander at the time, should have his timing, methods, and related operational behaviors scrutinized and must bear the corresponding responsibilities. As for the severity and scope of the punishment, the Ministry respects the professional judgment of the NPA.
Tung Chien-hung mentioned that the NPA also clarified yesterday that the individual was removed from his managerial position and transferred laterally to serve as a 3-rank 1-star Police Supervisor in Taipei City, not promoted to a 3-rank 2-star position.
Additionally, Tung pointed out that regarding the security duties for the nine-in-one local elections, the NPA will still be required to continuously enhance security and ensure proper risk assessments and intelligence gathering. (Editor: Chai Ssu-chia) 1150423
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(CNA Reporters Kao Hua-chien, Lai Yu-chen, Taipei, 23rd) Regarding the pepper spray incident involving Taiwan People's Party founding chairman Ko Wen-je, investigations revealed it was mistakenly sprayed by Taichung City Police Bureau Sixth Precinct Chief Chou Chun-ming. The Ministry of Interior stated today that it does not comment on individual cases, but has requested the National Police Agency to continuously strengthen security maintenance, risk assessment, and intelligence gathering for the upcoming nine-in-one local elections at the end of the year.
On the evening of the 17th, Ko Wen-je accompanied party candidate for Taichung City Councilor Liu Chin-yu to sweep the Fengchia Night Market, during which he was sprayed with pepper spray. On the morning of the 18th, Liu Chin-yu went to the Sixth Precinct to file an injury lawsuit. Police investigation found that Sixth Precinct Chief Chou Chun-ming accidentally sprayed it during security operations. Chou was not only given a demerit but also removed from his post and transferred to a non-managerial role as a Police Supervisor in the Taipei City Police Bureau.
During a press conference following the Executive Yuan meeting today, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Li Hui-chih responded to media inquiries, stating that the relevant punishments were recommended by the Taichung City Government Police Bureau and approved by the National Police Agency. The Executive Yuan respects the handling of this specific case.
Li Hui-chih said that the National Police Agency has also explained to the public that, regarding the security maintenance of candidates, service centers, and campaign activities for the future nine-in-one local elections, it will continuously require all police agencies to strengthen risk assessment and intelligence gathering.
Deputy Minister of Interior Tung Chien-hung added that the Ministry respects the National Police Agency's investigation and disciplinary results. The NPA believes that Chou Chun-ming, as the on-site duty commander at the time, should have his timing, methods, and related operational behaviors scrutinized and must bear the corresponding responsibilities. As for the severity and scope of the punishment, the Ministry respects the professional judgment of the NPA.
Tung Chien-hung mentioned that the NPA also clarified yesterday that the individual was removed from his managerial position and transferred laterally to serve as a 3-rank 1-star Police Supervisor in Taipei City, not promoted to a 3-rank 2-star position.
Additionally, Tung pointed out that regarding the security duties for the nine-in-one local elections, the NPA will still be required to continuously enhance security and ensure proper risk assessments and intelligence gathering. (Editor: Chai Ssu-chia) 1150423
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship from you is the strength to protect freedom of the press.
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The text, images, and audio-visuals on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.