Man breaks into Taichung Wanhe Temple, destroys offerings and statues; police send 24 suspects for prosecution on damage charges

TAICHUNG (CNA) -- Taichung's municipal historic site, Wanhe Temple, was holding a celebration this morning when a man suddenly broke in, overturning offerings and statues on tables. Police arrived, subdued the agitated man, and took him away. He will be sent for prosecution on suspicion of damage to property. The temple is swiftly working to restore the site to its original state.

Taichung City Councilor Ho Wen-hai of the Democratic Progressive Party, who was present at the time of the incident, stated that while the chanting group was chanting, the man suddenly lost control and broke in. He first pushed over and smashed a table laden with offerings and fruits. Temple staff immediately intervened, but the man, in an agitated state, swept statues to the ground, causing damage to multiple areas in Wanhe Temple's main hall, leaving the scene in disarray and terrifying the chanting group members and devotees.

According to the Fourth Precinct of the Taichung City Police Bureau, upon receiving the report, officers rushed to the scene and found a man surnamed Zhang in an agitated state, for unknown reasons overturning offerings and pushing over four Buddha statues and four light towers, among other things.

Police stated that citizens at the scene first helped control the man surnamed Zhang. Upon arrival, officers immediately took him back to the police station and asked the temple to inventory the damages. They are expanding their review of surrounding surveillance camera footage to further clarify the motive for the crime.

Wanhe Temple Secretary-General Chiang Hui-wen told the media that the man surnamed Zhang often frequented Wanhe Temple, wandering nearby and muttering to himself. This was the first time Mr. Zhang had exhibited violent behavior. Fortunately, the Mazu statue was undamaged, but the offerings were scattered. The most severe damage was to the four light towers that were pushed over. The temple will compile a list of damages and mobilize volunteers to restore the site as quickly as possible. (Edited by Li Ming-tsung) 1150512

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