As violence and vandalism escalate in Hong Kong, some protest supporters have had enough

Jessie Yeung
By Jessie Yeung, CNN
Updated 6:51 AM EDT, Sun October 27, 2019
World News
HONG KONG, CHINA - OCTOBER 13: A pro-democracy protester attempts to break a tourist bus front windows in Mongkok district on October 13, 2019 in Hong Kong, China. Hong Kong's government invoked emergency powers last week to introduce an anti-mask law which bans people from wearing masks at public assemblies as the city remains on edge with the anti-government movement entering its fourth month. Protesters in Hong Kong continue to call for Chief Executive Carrie Lam to meet their remaining demands since the controversial extradition bill was withdrawn, which includes an independent inquiry into police brutality, the retraction of the word riot to describe the rallies, and genuine universal suffrage, as the territory faces a leadership crisis.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
HONG KONG, CHINA - OCTOBER 13: A pro-democracy protester attempts to break a tourist bus front windows in Mongkok district on October 13, 2019 in Hong Kong, China. Hong Kong's government invoked emergency powers last week to introduce an anti-mask law which bans people from wearing masks at public assemblies as the city remains on edge with the anti-government movement entering its fourth month. Protesters in Hong Kong continue to call for Chief Executive Carrie Lam to meet their remaining demands since the controversial extradition bill was withdrawn, which includes an independent inquiry into police brutality, the retraction of the word riot to describe the rallies, and genuine universal suffrage, as the territory faces a leadership crisis.
Now playing
02:14
Over 200 arrested as violence escalates in Hong Kong
CNN istanbul Producer captured the aftermath of the on going wildfire in souther Turkey in Manavgat, Turkey
CNN
CNN istanbul Producer captured the aftermath of the on going wildfire in souther Turkey in Manavgat, Turkey
Now playing
02:25
Wildfires in southern Turkey leave four dead
CNN
Now playing
03:08
Families of detained protesters in Cuba speak out
People drink on the dance floor shortly after the reopening, at The Piano Works in Farringdon, in London, Monday, July 19, 2021. Thousands of young people plan to dance the night away at 'Freedom Day' parties after midnight Sunday, when almost all coronavirus restrictions in England are to be scrapped. Nightclubs, which have been shuttered since March 2020, can finally reopen. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Alberto Pezzali/AP
People drink on the dance floor shortly after the reopening, at The Piano Works in Farringdon, in London, Monday, July 19, 2021. Thousands of young people plan to dance the night away at 'Freedom Day' parties after midnight Sunday, when almost all coronavirus restrictions in England are to be scrapped. Nightclubs, which have been shuttered since March 2020, can finally reopen. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Now playing
02:17
UK is reopening and scientists are confused to what's happening
lebanon wedeman beirut
AFPTV
lebanon wedeman beirut
Now playing
02:58
What's happening in Tunisia and why it matters
Gold medalist Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry stands on the podium for the women's 200m backstroke swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 16, 2008. Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe set a new world record in the women's 200 metres backstroke with a time of two minutes 05.24 seconds in the final at the Beijing Olympics. US swimmer Margaret Hoelzer placed second and Japanese swimmer Reiko Nakamura placed third. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)
TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
Gold medalist Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry stands on the podium for the women's 200m backstroke swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 16, 2008. Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe set a new world record in the women's 200 metres backstroke with a time of two minutes 05.24 seconds in the final at the Beijing Olympics. US swimmer Margaret Hoelzer placed second and Japanese swimmer Reiko Nakamura placed third. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)
Now playing
02:47
'You have to train your brain as much as any muscle'
i-Cable
Now playing
03:18
First person charged under Hong Kong national security law
A police convoy drives past a wall painted with the president's image down the alley of the entrance to the residence of the president in Port-au-Prince on July 15, 2021, in the wake of Haitian President Jovenel Moise's assassination on July 7, 2021. - The assassination of Jovenel Moise by armed mercenaries was planned in the neighboring Dominican Republic, say Haitian police, who announced the detention of the slain president's chief bodyguard and three other members of his security detail. (Photo by Valerie Baeriswyl / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE BAERISWYL/AFP via Getty Images)
VALERIE BAERISWYL/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
A police convoy drives past a wall painted with the president's image down the alley of the entrance to the residence of the president in Port-au-Prince on July 15, 2021, in the wake of Haitian President Jovenel Moise's assassination on July 7, 2021. - The assassination of Jovenel Moise by armed mercenaries was planned in the neighboring Dominican Republic, say Haitian police, who announced the detention of the slain president's chief bodyguard and three other members of his security detail. (Photo by Valerie Baeriswyl / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE BAERISWYL/AFP via Getty Images)
Now playing
04:52
Exclusive: Signs of coverup in Haiti assassination investigation
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Tianjin, China, on July 26, 2021. Beijing has indicated that the U.S. is treating China as an "imaginary enemy" after the meeting between top diplomats Sherman and Wang. Sherman Meets With Wang in Tianjin, China, Beijing - 26 Jul 2021. U.S. State Department/UPI/Shutterstock
U.S. State Department/UPI/Shutterstock
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Tianjin, China, on July 26, 2021. Beijing has indicated that the U.S. is treating China as an "imaginary enemy" after the meeting between top diplomats Sherman and Wang. Sherman Meets With Wang in Tianjin, China, Beijing - 26 Jul 2021. U.S. State Department/UPI/Shutterstock
Now playing
01:09
Chinese official: The US portrays China as an imaginary enemy
ANI via Reuters
Now playing
02:09
Villagers left devastated by torrential rains in India
Now playing
03:38
Pakistani Taliban leader reacts to Afghan gains after US withdrawal
Australia vietnam indonesia covid holmes pkg intl hnk vpx_00000503.png
Australia vietnam indonesia covid holmes pkg intl hnk vpx_00000503.png
Now playing
02:27
Australian PM calls anti-lockdown protesters 'reckless' and 'self-defeating'
TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 23: General view inside the stadium as fireworks go off while Naomi Osaka of Team Japan lights the Olympic cauldron with the Olympic torch during the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 23: General view inside the stadium as fireworks go off while Naomi Osaka of Team Japan lights the Olympic cauldron with the Olympic torch during the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Now playing
02:22
Tokyo 2020 Games officially underway after yearlong delay
DESKTOP afghan pilot 2
CNN
DESKTOP afghan pilot 2
Now playing
02:00
'They would just try to break me': First female Afghan Air Force pilot on adversity in the military
CNN
Now playing
02:24
See Tokyo 2020 Olympics from above
Biden town hall vpx
CNN
Biden town hall vpx
Now playing
01:45
Biden reveals what world leaders are asking him about America

Editor’s Note: Six Hong Kong residents who spoke to CNN for this story requested anonymity because they feared being targeted for their comments. Jose asked we only use her last name. “Millie,” “Sarah,” “Marcus,” “Yara,” and “Patrick” requested pseudonyms.

Hong Kong CNN —  

For most of the summer, 25-year-old Jose was an ardent supporter of the protests raging in Hong Kong. Even when demonstrations became increasingly violent, she defended the protesters themselves – they were provoked, or were fighting for a greater good, she would argue.

Then August 13 happened. That night, she watched live streams, horrified, as a mob of protesters at Hong Kong airport surrounded a man they claimed was an undercover police officer. They bound his wrists, lashed out at him after he appeared to lose consciousness, and shouted down those who pleaded to get him medical attention.

“I remember being in disbelief, looking at my TV – like, what’s happening? Why have they done this?” Jose said. “Up until that day, I’d understood what they were fighting for … I went back into my room and sat there looking at my wall for a very long time.”

Hong Kong protesters' 5 demands

  • Fully withdraw the extradition bill
  • Set up an independent inquiry to probe police brutality
  • Withdraw the characterization of protests as "riots"
  • Release those arrested at protests
  • Implement universal suffrage in Hong Kong

The airport incident marked one of the defining moments in the protests, which began in June with peaceful mass marches against a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extradition to mainland China, among other countries. It has since spiraled into a broader pro-democracy, anti-government movement, with protesters laying out five major demands – only one of which has been met.

Both sides accuse the other of using excessive violence, and provoking the use of police tear gas and protester petrol bombs. Even Hong Kong itself is covered with marks of the unrest, with shops vandalized and boarded up, and many subway station entrances charcoal-black from fires set by protesters.

However with no clear end in sight, new divisions appear to be emerging in the city – besides the hardcore protest frontliners and fierce opponents, now there are wavering sideline supporters and moderates who say they have been driven away by the violence.

When does it go too far?

Most people have a different answer over whether the unrest has crossed the line. Protesters say they’re not there yet because they haven’t killed or seriously injured anyone – if anything, they think the police are the ones who have gone too far.

Marcus, a 22-year-old protester, said he drew the line at “unneeded violence” – but like many in the movement, he saw their actions as largely justified. For instance, he felt the airport violence went too far, but quickly pointed out that the mob had allegedly found evidence the man was an undercover police officer.

HONG KONG, HONG KONG - JULY 21: Protesters clash with police amid tear gas after taking part in an anti-extradition bill march on July 21, 2019 in Hong Kong, China. Pro-democracy protesters have continued weekly rallies on the streets of Hong Kong against a controversial extradition bill since June 9, as the city plunged into crisis after waves of demonstrations and several violent clashes. Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam apologized for introducing the bill and recently declared it "dead", however protesters have continued to draw large crowds with demands for Lam's resignation and completely withdraw the bill. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
Chris McGrath/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
HONG KONG, HONG KONG - JULY 21: Protesters clash with police amid tear gas after taking part in an anti-extradition bill march on July 21, 2019 in Hong Kong, China. Pro-democracy protesters have continued weekly rallies on the streets of Hong Kong against a controversial extradition bill since June 9, as the city plunged into crisis after waves of demonstrations and several violent clashes. Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam apologized for introducing the bill and recently declared it "dead", however protesters have continued to draw large crowds with demands for Lam's resignation and completely withdraw the bill. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Why Hong Kong's young protesters feel they're running out of time in fight for democracy

“When you’re in a situation like that, no one has time to be like, let me fact-check this,” he said. “The proof was there in his bag.”

Marcus’ stance reflects an apparently common attitude among the movement and its sympathizers – a vague opposition to violence, but an instinct for leniency when it comes to the protesters. “If we lose, it’s called a riot,” said Yara, a 22-year-old education consulting employee. “But if we win, it will be called a revolution, and all the violence will be for good, ultimately.”

Protesters set a Bank of China branch on fire in Hong Kong on October 13, 2019.
Miguel Candela/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Protesters set a Bank of China branch on fire in Hong Kong on October 13, 2019.

Multiple protesters who spoke with CNN returned to this perceived image of a greater good. They say they fear Hong Kong will lose its protected freedoms of speech, press and assembly, and that the semi-autonomous city will ultimately be swallowed up by mainland China.

When faced with such a fate, real or perceived, the demonstrators say little else seems to matter. Transit woes, missed flights, even disrupted education – to them, these all seem like worthy sacrifices for a movement they believe could save the city.

Critics in the “silent majority”

Standing in sharp contrast on the other side are members of the self-dubbed “silent majority” – people who oppose the unrest. They argue that the protesters are spreading chaos and fear across the city, trashing the economy, and hurting not just their own cause but everybody caught in the crossfire.

It’s unclear how many people are actually in the “silent majority,” or if they really are a majority at all, but the group appears to be slowly growing – publicly at least. One Facebook group critical of the protests has amassed more than 125,000 members in two months.

For comparison, one of the largest protest groups on the encrypted messaging app Telegram has about 240,000 members.

Many say there can be no pardoning of the protesters’ violence and vandalism. To do so would effectively justify violence against anybody with a different view, they say, and open the door to dangerous polarization and censorship.

Hong Kong's self-dubbed "silent majority" held a rally in support of the police on July 20, 2019.
LAUREL CHOR/AFP/Getty Images
Hong Kong's self-dubbed "silent majority" held a rally in support of the police on July 20, 2019.

Even more sinister than the destruction itself is “the acceptance from the anti-government people,” said Patrick, 26, who also initially supported the demonstrators’ right to peaceful protest before the situation escalated.

He accused supporters on the sidelines of expressing “no condemnation” – meaning they were either scared to speak out against the movement, or truly believed that violence was right. He said he doesn’t know which is worse.

“I think that’s the scary part – not just the action itself, but the reaction to the action,” he added.

Some protesters have apologized for mistakenly vandalizing politically neutral shops, and for the airport mob attack. But many say it’s not enough.

Demonstrators hold an apology sign at the Hong Kong International Airport on August 14, 2019.
Paul Yeung/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Demonstrators hold an apology sign at the Hong Kong International Airport on August 14, 2019.

“There’s no trial and error when it comes to violence,” said Sarah, 41. She supported the peaceful mass marches in June, but started withdrawing her support when protesters began vandalizing the subway, attacking police officers, and leaking private information about the officers’ families online.

Millie, a 39-year-old banking industry employee, said the protesters’ disruption of transit systems was not merely an inconvenience, but an infringement on regular people’s right to daily life.

“They’re taking a piece of freedom from that person to travel,” she said. “Blocking people – which is their freedom to go about their own business – that’s the line for me.”

Among this “silent majority,” they also talk of a simple bewilderment – if the protesters want democracy, why are they smashing ATMs? What does vandalizing the subway system have to do with universal suffrage?

When given the protesters’ reasons – that the ATMs belong to Chinese-owned banks, that protesters believe the subway operator is in cahoots with the police – the critics interviewed by CNN wave them away as alarmist, counterproductive, or as Sarah put it, just plain “stupid.”

“Even if the government cornered them, that doesn’t legitimize the violence,” she said. “The law is the law. You don’t hurt people, you don’t break government property.”

A riot policeman sprays pepper spray at a man as they disperse a crowd during a demonstration against "parallel traders" who buy goods in Hong Kong to resell in mainland China on Sunday, January 5.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Andy Wong/AP
A riot policeman sprays pepper spray at a man as they disperse a crowd during a demonstration against "parallel traders" who buy goods in Hong Kong to resell in mainland China on Sunday, January 5.
Pro-democracy supporters hold placards as they take part in a New Year's Day rally on Wednesday, January 1 in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Pro-democracy supporters hold placards as they take part in a New Year's Day rally on Wednesday, January 1 in Hong Kong.
Pro-democracy supporters wave flags during a countdown party in Tsim Sha Tsui district on New Year's Eve.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Pro-democracy supporters wave flags during a countdown party in Tsim Sha Tsui district on New Year's Eve.
Police arrive to conduct a clearance operation in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong on December 31.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Isaac Lawrence/AFP via Getty Images
Police arrive to conduct a clearance operation in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong on December 31.
Protesters take photos of a 'Free HK' light display at a gathering in the Central district of Hong Kong on December 30.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Isaac Lawrence/AFP via Getty Images
Protesters take photos of a 'Free HK' light display at a gathering in the Central district of Hong Kong on December 30.
A man is detained by riot police during a demonstration in a shopping mall at Sheung Shui district on December 28.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A man is detained by riot police during a demonstration in a shopping mall at Sheung Shui district on December 28.
A protester reacts after police fire tear gas to disperse bystanders in the Jordan district of Hong Kong, early on December 25.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images
A protester reacts after police fire tear gas to disperse bystanders in the Jordan district of Hong Kong, early on December 25.
People celebrating the holidays react to tear gas as police confront protesters on Christmas Eve.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
People celebrating the holidays react to tear gas as police confront protesters on Christmas Eve.
Protesters march in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Protesters march in Hong Kong.
Protesters stage a rally outside the US Consulate in Hong Kong on Sunday, December 1. Hundreds gathered Sunday afternoon outside the US Consulate for another pro-US rally to show support for President Trump after he signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act into law.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Thian/AP
Protesters stage a rally outside the US Consulate in Hong Kong on Sunday, December 1. Hundreds gathered Sunday afternoon outside the US Consulate for another pro-US rally to show support for President Trump after he signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act into law.
People take part in a march from Tsim Sha Tsui to Hung Hom in Hong Kong on December 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
People take part in a march from Tsim Sha Tsui to Hung Hom in Hong Kong on December 1.
Pro-democracy candidate Jimmy Sham, right, celebrates with a supporter after winning his election in the Sha Tin district, early November 25. "Today's result represents (my constituency's) support to protesters. The government should immediately establish the Five Demands and respond to the public's voices," Sham posted on Facebook, referencing a long-standing protest slogan.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Thian/AP
Pro-democracy candidate Jimmy Sham, right, celebrates with a supporter after winning his election in the Sha Tin district, early November 25. "Today's result represents (my constituency's) support to protesters. The government should immediately establish the Five Demands and respond to the public's voices," Sham posted on Facebook, referencing a long-standing protest slogan.
Pro-democracy candidate James Yu hugs his girlfriend after winning his seat in district council elections, early November 25.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Yu/AP
Pro-democracy candidate James Yu hugs his girlfriend after winning his seat in district council elections, early November 25.
People line up to vote outside of a polling place in Hong Kong, November 24. More than <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/24/asia/hong-kong-district-council-elections-intl/index.html" target="_blank">2.9 million people turned out</a> to vote in Sunday's elections, which have been framed as a <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/22/asia/hong-kong-protests-district-council-elections-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">de facto referendum</a> on the almost six months of ongoing protests.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Yu/AP
People line up to vote outside of a polling place in Hong Kong, November 24. More than 2.9 million people turned out to vote in Sunday's elections, which have been framed as a de facto referendum on the almost six months of ongoing protests.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam casts her ballot for the district council elections at a polling place, November 24. In a statement Monday, Lam said her government "respects the election results."
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam casts her ballot for the district council elections at a polling place, November 24. In a statement Monday, Lam said her government "respects the election results."
A group of protesters leave the Hong Kong Polytechnic University holding hands before surrendering to police in the Hung Hom district on November 22.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Dale de la Rey/AFP/Getty Images
A group of protesters leave the Hong Kong Polytechnic University holding hands before surrendering to police in the Hung Hom district on November 22.
Protesters use clothes and helmets to form "SOS" at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 21.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Thian/AP
Protesters use clothes and helmets to form "SOS" at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 21.
Protesters raise their hands to represent the five demands of pro-democracy demonstrators during a rally in support of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in the U.S., at the IFC Mall in Hong Kong, on November 21.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Ng Han Guan/AP
Protesters raise their hands to represent the five demands of pro-democracy demonstrators during a rally in support of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in the U.S., at the IFC Mall in Hong Kong, on November 21.
Tables and chairs piled up to create a barrier are left behind by protesters who barricaded themselves inside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
Tables and chairs piled up to create a barrier are left behind by protesters who barricaded themselves inside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
A Fire Services Department rescue diver prepares to enter the sewage system on November 20 to search for protesters who escaped from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A Fire Services Department rescue diver prepares to enter the sewage system on November 20 to search for protesters who escaped from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Police detain a group of people after they tried to flee the Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus on November 19. Last week, thousands of student protesters streamed into the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/19/asia/hong-kong-polytechnic-university-scene-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">university and occupied the campus </a>as the city's violent political unrest reached fever pitch.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
Police detain a group of people after they tried to flee the Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus on November 19. Last week, thousands of student protesters streamed into the university and occupied the campus as the city's violent political unrest reached fever pitch.
A protester uses a flashlight while crawling through a sewer tunnel to see how wide it is as he and others try to find an escape route from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 19.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
A protester uses a flashlight while crawling through a sewer tunnel to see how wide it is as he and others try to find an escape route from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 19.
A protester walks through a gymnasium at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 19.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Yu/AP
A protester walks through a gymnasium at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 19.
Protesters react as police fire tear gas in the Kowloon area of Hong Kong, Monday, November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Yu/AP
Protesters react as police fire tear gas in the Kowloon area of Hong Kong, Monday, November 18.
Firefighters put out a burning car set on fire by protesters near Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the Tsim Sha Tsui district on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images
Firefighters put out a burning car set on fire by protesters near Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the Tsim Sha Tsui district on November 18.
Police in riot gear move through a cloud of smoke as they detain a protester at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong on November 18. Police have <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/asia/live-news/hong-kong-protests-live-nov-18-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">attempted to clear the university</a>, which has been occupied by protesters for days as a strategic protest base.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Ng Han Guan/AP
Police in riot gear move through a cloud of smoke as they detain a protester at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong on November 18. Police have attempted to clear the university, which has been occupied by protesters for days as a strategic protest base.
Police fire tear gas as protesters attempt to leave Hong Kong Polytechnic University via a bridge on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Dale de la Rey/AFP via Getty Images
Police fire tear gas as protesters attempt to leave Hong Kong Polytechnic University via a bridge on November 18.
A member of the police clashes with a protester at the Hong Kong Poytechnic University on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A member of the police clashes with a protester at the Hong Kong Poytechnic University on November 18.
Protesters use a rope to lower themselves from a pedestrian bridge to waiting motorbikes to escape from police at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
Protesters use a rope to lower themselves from a pedestrian bridge to waiting motorbikes to escape from police at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
A protester throws an umbrella onto a fire at the barricaded main entrance of Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images
A protester throws an umbrella onto a fire at the barricaded main entrance of Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
An anti-government protester is detained at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Laurel Chor/Getty Images
An anti-government protester is detained at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
An anti-government protester is showered down by volunteer medical workers after he was soaked by a police water cannons firing pepper spray-infused water at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
An anti-government protester is showered down by volunteer medical workers after he was soaked by a police water cannons firing pepper spray-infused water at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
Riot police fire tear gas and rubber bullets as protesters attempt to leave Hong Kong Poytechnic University on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Riot police fire tear gas and rubber bullets as protesters attempt to leave Hong Kong Poytechnic University on November 18.
A protester prepares to shoot an arrow during a confrontation with police.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
A protester prepares to shoot an arrow during a confrontation with police.
Police use a water cannon outside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: ISAAC LAWRENCE/AFP/Getty Images
Police use a water cannon outside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
A protester throws a Molotov cocktail at police on November 17.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
A protester throws a Molotov cocktail at police on November 17.
Protesters use a catapult to fire bricks at the police from inside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 17.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters use a catapult to fire bricks at the police from inside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 17.
A woman tries to hold back riot police from approaching the Hong Kong University in Hong Kong on Saturday.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Ng Han Guan/AP
A woman tries to hold back riot police from approaching the Hong Kong University in Hong Kong on Saturday.
Protesters train to throw Molotov cocktails into a swimming pool on the campus of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 14.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Miguel Candela/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Protesters train to throw Molotov cocktails into a swimming pool on the campus of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 14.
Protesters walk past barricades of bricks on a road near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 14.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
Protesters walk past barricades of bricks on a road near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 14.
Demonstrators gather during a lunchtime protest in the financial district of Hong Kong on November 14.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Yu/AP
Demonstrators gather during a lunchtime protest in the financial district of Hong Kong on November 14.
A protester releases a flaming arrow to light a barricade at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Wednesday, November 13.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images
A protester releases a flaming arrow to light a barricade at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Wednesday, November 13.
A Molotov cocktail, a gas mask and a yellow construction helmet are placed upon a bust of late hotel tycoon Hui Yeung Shing at the campus of The Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 13.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images
A Molotov cocktail, a gas mask and a yellow construction helmet are placed upon a bust of late hotel tycoon Hui Yeung Shing at the campus of The Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 13.
A fire is seen at a Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station during a demonstration at The Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 13.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A fire is seen at a Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station during a demonstration at The Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 13.
Students attempt to clear tear gas canisters fired by riot police onto a sports track during a confrontation at the Chinese University in Hong Kong on Tuesday, November 12.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: AP Photo
Students attempt to clear tear gas canisters fired by riot police onto a sports track during a confrontation at the Chinese University in Hong Kong on Tuesday, November 12.
A man is detained during a protest at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 12.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
A man is detained during a protest at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 12.
Students block an escalator with chairs in an attempt to hamper police at the University of Hong Kong on November 12.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
Students block an escalator with chairs in an attempt to hamper police at the University of Hong Kong on November 12.
A protester is detained in the Central District of Hong Kong on November 11.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Yu/AP
A protester is detained in the Central District of Hong Kong on November 11.
People react after tear gas was fired by police during a protest in Hong Kong's Central District on November 11.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
People react after tear gas was fired by police during a protest in Hong Kong's Central District on November 11.
Riot police face off with protesters at an entrance of a shopping mall during a demonstration on November 10.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Riot police face off with protesters at an entrance of a shopping mall during a demonstration on November 10.
A man is helped by a volunteer medic after police used pepper spray during a demonstration on November 10.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A man is helped by a volunteer medic after police used pepper spray during a demonstration on November 10.
Students of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) participate in a march on November 8, after hospital officials confirmed the <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/07/asia/hong-kong-protester-death-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">death of student Chow Tsz-lok</a>, 22. Police say Chow, a computer sciences student at HKUST, fell from the third floor to the second floor of a parking garage in the residential area of Tseung Kwan O in the early hours of November 4.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images
Students of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) participate in a march on November 8, after hospital officials confirmed the death of student Chow Tsz-lok, 22. Police say Chow, a computer sciences student at HKUST, fell from the third floor to the second floor of a parking garage in the residential area of Tseung Kwan O in the early hours of November 4.
A person places a flower at a memorial for 22-year-old Hong Kong university student Chow Tsz-lok on November 8.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
A person places a flower at a memorial for 22-year-old Hong Kong university student Chow Tsz-lok on November 8.
Students in gas masks are seen during a graduation ceremony at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Thursday, November 7 in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images
Students in gas masks are seen during a graduation ceremony at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Thursday, November 7 in Hong Kong.
Firefighters stand outside the offices of China's Xinhua News Agency after its windows were damaged by protesters in Hong Kong on Saturday, November 2. Hong Kong riot police fired multiple rounds of tear gas and used a water cannon Saturday to break up a rally by thousands of masked protesters demanding autonomy after Beijing indicated it could tighten its grip on the Chinese territory.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
Firefighters stand outside the offices of China's Xinhua News Agency after its windows were damaged by protesters in Hong Kong on Saturday, November 2. Hong Kong riot police fired multiple rounds of tear gas and used a water cannon Saturday to break up a rally by thousands of masked protesters demanding autonomy after Beijing indicated it could tighten its grip on the Chinese territory.
Richard Chan, a candidate for the district council elections, reacts after being pepper-sprayed by police in Hong Kong on November 2.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Yu/AP
Richard Chan, a candidate for the district council elections, reacts after being pepper-sprayed by police in Hong Kong on November 2.
Thousands of black-clad masked protesters streamed into Hong Kong's central shopping district for another rally on November 2.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
Thousands of black-clad masked protesters streamed into Hong Kong's central shopping district for another rally on November 2.
A person dressed as President Donald Trump waves an American flag on a street in Hong Kong on Thursday, October 31, 2019. Hong Kong authorities braced as pro-democracy protesters urged people on Thursday to celebrate Halloween by wearing masks on a march in defiance of a <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/30/asia/halloween-hong-kong-mask-ban-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">government ban on face coverings</a>.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
A person dressed as President Donald Trump waves an American flag on a street in Hong Kong on Thursday, October 31, 2019. Hong Kong authorities braced as pro-democracy protesters urged people on Thursday to celebrate Halloween by wearing masks on a march in defiance of a government ban on face coverings.
A man dressed as the Joker for Halloween walks past police officers on October 31.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
A man dressed as the Joker for Halloween walks past police officers on October 31.
Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong (second from left) and Kelvin Lam (second from right) shout slogans as they meet the media outside the Legislative Council (LegCo) in Hong Kong on October 29, 2019, after Wong was barred from standing in an upcoming local election.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong (second from left) and Kelvin Lam (second from right) shout slogans as they meet the media outside the Legislative Council (LegCo) in Hong Kong on October 29, 2019, after Wong was barred from standing in an upcoming local election.
A protester throws a tear gas canister on October 27 in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images
A protester throws a tear gas canister on October 27 in Hong Kong.
A couple wearing Guy Fawkes masks watch a rally at Chater Garden in Hong Kong on October 26.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Mark Schiefelbein/AP
A couple wearing Guy Fawkes masks watch a rally at Chater Garden in Hong Kong on October 26.
Protesters start a fire in front of the MTR station during demonstration on October 27.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Ivan Cheung/SOPA Images/Getty Images
Protesters start a fire in front of the MTR station during demonstration on October 27.
Tear gas smoke is seen exploding over reporters during an anti-government protest in Mong Kok district in Hong Kong on October 27.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vernon Yuen/Getty Images
Tear gas smoke is seen exploding over reporters during an anti-government protest in Mong Kok district in Hong Kong on October 27.
High school students take part in a human chain rally outside Kowloon park in Hong Kong on October 25.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
High school students take pa