Former Taipei mayor and Taiwan People’s Party founder Ko Wen-je was sprayed with pepper spray during a campaign event at Fengjia Night Market in Taichung on May 18, 2024, prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. Local time as Ko was greeting supporters near the market’s main entrance. Video footage shared widely on social media showed a sudden burst of spray hitting Ko’s face, causing him to flinch and step back while security personnel intervened. Initial reports from eyewitnesses and local media speculated about possible political motives, but Taichung City Police Department’s Sixth Precinct later clarified that the spraying resulted from an accidental discharge by an officer adjusting their equipment.
The Taichung Police Department held a press briefing at 2:40 p.m. On May 19, 2024, to disclose the findings of its internal investigation. According to the official statement, the officer involved was identified as a sergeant from the Sixth Precinct’s patrol unit who had been assigned to crowd control detail during the event. The sergeant reportedly experienced a malfunction in their pepper spray holster, causing the device to discharge unintentionally while they were adjusting their gear near the crowd barrier. Ko Wen-je was not the intended target, and the incident was deemed accidental following review of body-worn camera footage and witness testimonies.
Ko Wen-je himself addressed the incident briefly the following morning during a campaign stop in Changhua, where he downplayed the severity and urged the public to focus on policy debates rather than isolated incidents. “These things happen in crowded environments,” he said, according to reports from Taiwan-based news outlets. “What matters is that we keep the conversation focused on Taiwan’s future — economic opportunity, healthcare access, and democratic resilience.” His remarks were widely circulated across Taiwanese social media platforms, where supporters praised his composure while critics questioned the adequacy of security protocols at political events.
The officer responsible was subsequently issued an administrative reprimand and temporarily reassigned from frontline duties pending further review. The Taichung Police Department confirmed that the sergeant received a formal record of misconduct but was not suspended or criminally charged, as the act lacked intent and resulted in no lasting physical harm. Ko Wen-je declined to press charges or pursue legal action, stating through his campaign office that he accepted the police explanation and wished to avoid escalating tensions. The department emphasized that all officers involved in public event security undergo regular equipment checks, but acknowledged the need for additional training on holster safety and situational awareness in high-density settings.
Pepper spray, known formally as oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, is a lachrymatory agent commonly used by law enforcement for crowd control and self-defense. It causes temporary burning sensations, tearing, and disorientation upon contact with mucous membranes, though effects typically subside within 15 to 45 minutes with proper decontamination. Medical experts note that while OC spray is generally considered non-lethal, individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma may experience heightened sensitivity, and prolonged exposure in enclosed spaces can increase discomfort. International human rights organizations have previously raised concerns about misuse of chemical agents in policing, particularly when deployed indiscriminately or without clear justification.
In Taiwan, the leverage of pepper spray by police is governed by internal operational guidelines rather than standalone legislation, with deployment requiring justification based on imminent threat levels or active resistance. The National Police Agency under the Ministry of the Interior oversees standards for less-lethal weapons, including OC spray, tasers, and batons, though enforcement of training protocols varies by locality. Following the Fengjia incident, several civic groups called for greater transparency in police equipment protocols and advocated for mandatory body camera activation during all public order operations — a measure already in place in Taichung but subject to ongoing review regarding data storage and access policies.
The episode unfolded amid a heated local election cycle, with Ko Wen-je actively campaigning for allied candidates in central Taiwan ahead of the November 2024 local elections. His Taiwan People’s Party, founded in 2019, has positioned itself as a third-force alternative to the long-dominant Democratic Progressive Party and Kuomintang, appealing to younger voters and urban professionals dissatisfied with traditional partisan divides. While the pepper spray incident did not alter the trajectory of his campaign appearances, it added to a series of unexpected disruptions during political rallies this season, including a microphone sabotage attempt in Kaohsiung and a protest interruption in Tainan.
Security analysts noted that while accidental discharges of police equipment are rare, they underscore the challenges of managing large-scale public events where officers must balance visibility, readiness, and restraint. “Even well-trained personnel can experience gear failures under stress or fatigue,” said a former police tactical advisor speaking on condition of anonymity. “What matters most is how quickly institutions respond — whether they prioritize accountability, transparency, and learning from the incident.” The Taichung Police Department’s prompt release of bodycam footage and its decision to discipline the officer internally were cited by some observers as signs of procedural integrity, though others argued that preventive measures should be strengthened to avoid recurrence.
As of May 20, 2024, no further disciplinary actions have been announced against the officer involved, and Ko Wen-je has resumed his campaign schedule without public comment on the matter. The Taichung Police Department stated that the internal review remains ongoing, with findings to be forwarded to the Civil Service Protection and Training Commission for final determination on any additional administrative measures. Campaign officials for Ko Wen-je have not indicated plans to request changes to security arrangements for future events, deferring to local law enforcement judgments on threat assessments and resource allocation.
For readers seeking updates on official statements or procedural reviews related to this incident, the Taichung City Police Department maintains a public notice board on its official website, where investigation summaries and policy updates are periodically posted. The National Police Agency also publishes annual reports on use-of-force incidents, though individual case details are typically redacted to protect personnel privacy. Neither Ko Wen-je’s campaign office nor the Taiwan People’s Party has issued a formal request for independent oversight of the investigation, though both have acknowledged the police department’s transparency in sharing the preliminary outcome.
While the Fengjia night market incident has faded from headlines, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable dynamics that can emerge during political campaigning in dense public spaces. What began as a moment of confusion and concern was resolved through official clarification, underscoring the importance of timely communication from law enforcement agencies in maintaining public trust. As Taiwan approaches another round of local elections, the balance between accessible political engagement and robust security protocols will continue to be tested — not just in moments of crisis, but in the everyday preparations that precede them.
To stay informed about developments in Taiwan’s political landscape or public safety practices, readers are encouraged to follow verified sources such as the Central News Agency, the Taipei Times, and official government channels. Share your thoughts on how political events can remain both secure and open to public participation in the comments below.