The National Security Department (NSD) of the Hong Kong Police Force held a press conference on the afternoon of the 12th. Chief Superintendent of Police Li Guihua and Superintendent of Police Zhou Xuexian from the NSD attended the conference.
Li Guihua stated that the NSD received reports from residents claiming that some individuals were suspected of storing weapons and conducting unlawful training in a building in San Po Kong. After completing the preliminary investigation, the NSD arrested 6 men who were present at the scene on the charge of “unlawful training”, aged between 20 and 25. Subsequent to the investigation, three more men, aged 20 to 22, were apprehended, bringing the total number of arrests to nine. All arrestees are currently in custody for further investigation.
Li Guihua noted that during the investigation, it was found that some of the arrestees had entered and exited the fire scene at Wang Fuk Court while wearing outfits commonly used by “black-clad rioters”. He pointed out that the outfits worn by such rioters are of similar styles, and the police are currently investigating whether the arrestees have connections with previously detained black-clad rioters.
Li Guihua added that the venue where the arrestees conducted their training was located in an industrial building in San Po Kong. The location was extremely concealed, with its windows covered by black tape, and the police are investigating the purpose of this setup. One of the arrestees admitted that he hoped to learn skills such as combat and firearms use to attack others during incidents of black-clad riots.
