In a fearsome escalation of violence, Hong Kong police shot a protester at close range in the chest on Tuesday, leaving the teenager bleeding and howling on the ground.
Tens of thousands joined anti-government demonstrations that spread across the semi-autonomous Chinese territory even as Communist leaders in Beijing celebrated 70 years in power.
The single pistol shot fired by the officer as protesters swarmed toward him hit the 18-year-old on the left side of his chest, police spokeswoman Yolanda Yu said. She described the protesters as “rioters”and said the officer had feared for his life.
Hong Kong's hospital authority said the teen was one of two people in critical condition, with a total of 51 people injured as fierce clashes between protesters and police wracked China's freest and most international city.
While officers have previously fired warning shots in the air on multiple occasions during months of demonstrations in Hong Kong, this was the first time a protester is known to have been shot.
There were other instances on Tuesday when officers also drew their weapons, including two with bloodied faces who pointed pistols, as protesters determined to spoil the October 1 anniversary of Communist rule fought pitched battles with riot police.
Video that spread quickly on social media appeared to show the officer opening fire as the protester came at him with a metal rod, striking the officer's shooting arm.
Taken by the City University Student Union, it showed a dozen black-clad protesters hurling objects at a group of police and closing in on the lone officer who pointed his gun and opened fire.