Olympic organisers vowed to tighten security in central Beijing on Sunday after an American tourist died in a stabbing attack, but they insisted the Chinese capital was safe and Western sightseers were unfazed.
"We are going to strengthen the security at scenic spots ... to make sure no sharp weapons can be brought into the area," Beijing Olympic spokesman Wang Wei told a news conference.
"Beijing is a safe city but unfortunately we are not immune to violent acts," he said, adding that there was no reason to believe the attack was targeted on Americans.
Chinese President Hu Jintao expressed regret during a meeting with US President George W. Bush for Saturday's unprovoked attack at the Drum Tower, a popular tourist spot. "I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to you and the family of the victims over this unfortunate incident," Hu said, adding that investigations had been launched.
Todd Bachman was fatally stabbed, his wife Barbara suffered multiple lacerations and their attacker, an unemployed Chinese man, then leapt to his death from the 45-metre (148-foot) tower. Barbara Bachman was in a critical but stable condition on Sunday after undergoing eight hours of surgery, while a tour guide who was also injured in the attack was out of danger. Police have said the attacker, Tang Yongming, 47, from the eastern city of Hangzhou, had no previous criminal record and they had no idea what his motive was.
Comments
Comments are closed.