Busted: Admiralty, Hong Kong: A young protestor is arrested in Admiralty after a charge by riot police. Hong Kongers took to the streets in droves as their continued protest movement took on a new significance as it coincided with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China. October 1st, 2019-Hong Kong, 35mm
Fog of War: Admiralty, Hong Kong: Historical injuries and injustices sparked the protests in Hong Kong. As the fight has raged on, new injuries fuel even more violence. They cycle is vicious. Tear gas and bricks are easier to come by than forgiveness. Sunday marked a return to violence for both police and citizens alike after three days of peaceful demonstrations due to the anniversary of 9/11 and the autumn moon festival. September 15, 2019-Hong Kong, 35mm
Resting: Admiralty, Hong Kong: After the initial confrontation of the day between the Black Bloc and riot police, a member of the Black Bloc checks his phone for police positions, and news updates. Hong Kongers took to the streets in droves as their continued protest movement took on a new significance as it coincided with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. October 1st, 2019-Hong Kong, 35mm
Squad: Central, Hong Kong: A reported 800,000 demonstrators filled the streets of Hong Kong in the Human Rights Day Rally. December 8, 2019-Hong Kong, 35mm
Braced: Admiralty, Hong Kong: The Black Bloc awaits a confrontation outside police headquarters. Hong Kongers took to the streets in droves as their continued protest movement took on a new significance as it coincided with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. October 1st, 2019-Hong Kong, 35mm
Front Lines: Admiralty, Hong Kong: Front line protestors waste no time assaulting police headquarters with petrol bombs and bricks. It takes seconds for the streets to be enveloped in a fog of tear gas. Sunday marked a return to violence for both police and citizens alike after three days of peaceful demonstrations due to the anniversary of 9/11 and the autumn moon festival. September 15, 2019-Hong Kong, 35mm
Liberate Hong Kong: Tsz Wan Shen, Hong Kong: A demonstrator in his protest gear brandishes a sign reading "Liberate Hong Kong. The Revolution of our Times." This has become the slogan of the protest and can be heard all over the city, even outside of formal demonstrations. Demonstrators ascend Lion Rock, a nearly 500 meter peak overlooking the city, to stage a protest composed of light, chanting and, song. September 13, 2019-Hong Kong
Shoot Me: Prince Edward, Hong Kong: An elderly woman presents herself to riot police perched on the roof of Mong Kong Police Station, imploring them to shoot her and not the protestors. Hong Kongers took to rain-soaked streets in defiance of the new law banning masks in public. October 6, 2019-Hong Kong, 35mm
Photojournalist & Documentary Photographer Aaron Guy Leroux discusses his photo, "Shoot Me!"
June, 2019
Admiralty, Hong Kong: A young Hong Konger endures the heat while marching with his parents and brother. Hong Kongers march through the Admiralty in a massive public display against a proposed law that would allow for Hong Kong citizens to be extradited to China upon arrest. Hong Kong, 35mm
A riot officer stands with his high pressure pepper spray hose at the ready. Citizens of Hong Kong have taken to the streets in order to fight a new proposed law, that would allow for Hong Kongers arrested in the city to be extradited to China. June 12, 2019 - Hong Kong, 35mm
A young man waits through a lull in the days violence. Citizens of Hong Kong have taken to the streets in order to fight a new proposed law, that would allow for Hong Kongers arrested in the city to be extradited to China. June 12, 2019 - Hong Kong, 35mm
Admiralty, Hong Kong: A young protestor holds up a sign that reads "Anti Extradition" as she sits and rests. Hong Kongers took to the streets on Sunday, to push for the eradication of a proposed extradition bill that would have seen Hong Kongers arrested in the Special Administrative Region extradited to China. The bill was officially “suspended” by the Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Saturday. June 16, 2019 - Hong Kong, 35mm
Admiralty, Hong Kong: Even while on a snack break, this protestor keeps his sign prominantly displayed. The sign reads simply: "Register To Vote" Hong Kongers took to the streets on Sunday, to push for the eradication of a proposed extradition bill that would have seen Hong Kongers arrested in the Special Administrative Region extradited to China. The bill was officially “suspended” by the Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Saturday. June 16, 2019 - Hong Kong, 35mm
Admiralty, Hong Kong: A masked protestor holds up a sign that translates to "No Suspension, Retreact Immedieately. Hong Kong and its future is not dead yet." Hong Kongers took to the streets on Sunday, to push for the eradication of a proposed extradition bill that would have seen Hong Kongers arrested in the Special Administrative Region extradited to China. The bill was officially “suspended” by the Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Saturday. June 16, 2019 - Hong Kong, 35mm
As the gas is deployed, the air turns to poison. Protesters at the ready, moments before another outbreak of violence. Protestors in Hong Kong take to the streets again. This time to fight a new proposed law, that would allow for Hong Kongers arrested in the city to be extradited to China. June 12, 2019 - Hong Kong
A protestor takes the long way around a deployment of tear gas, to head back to the main protest sight in Admiralty. Protestors in Hong Kong take to the streets again. This time to fight a new proposed law, that would allow for Hong Kongers arrested in the city to be extradited to China.
Riot police make a stand in order to reclaim an intersection in Wan Chai. Protestors in Hong Kong take to the streets again. This time to fight a new proposed law, that would allow for Hong Kongers arrested in the city to be extradited to China.
A protester endures the onset of the pain of tear gas. His protections are meager against the gas. Protestors in Hong Kong take to the streets again. This time to fight a new proposed law, that would allow for Hong Kongers arrested in the city to be extradited to China. June 12, 2019 - Hong Kong
A riot officer moves to direct protestors, by standers, and journalists. It appears to be a typical tactic of riot police that after a show of force, their control over the situation must be punctuated with subsequent orders. Protestors in Hong Kong take to the streets again. This time to fight a new proposed law, that would allow for Hong Kongers arrested in the city to be extradited to China.
Protesters at the ready, moments before another outbreak of violence. Protestors in Hong Kong take to the streets again. This time to fight a new proposed law, that would allow for Hong Kongers arrested in the city to be extradited to China. June 12, 2019 - Hong Kong
Douse The Gas: Admiralty, Hong Kong: A member of the Black Bloc tries to extinguish a tear gas cartridge. Hong Kongers took to the streets in droves as their continued protest movement took on a new significance as it coincided with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. October 1st, 2019-Hong Kong, 35mm.
July 14th, 2019: New Town Plaza Mall, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
Groups of Riot Police enter the mall from every direction, trapping protestors inside. A protest in the Sha Tin suburb of Hong Kong was largely peaceful, until police pursued protestors into the New Park Mall. July 14, 2019-Hong Kong
Protesters and riot police engage in open combat. Groups of protestors respond to police violence with equal force. The noise of protestors shouting in the mall is overwhelming. A protest in the Sha Tin suburb of Hong Kong was largely peaceful, until police pursued protestors into the New Park Mall. July 14, 2019-Hong Kong
Protestors eventually drive the small cadre of officers whom first entered the mall, back down the stairwell they entered from. A protest in the Sha Tin suburb of Hong Kong was largely peaceful, until police pursued protestors into the New Park Mall. July 14, 2019
Despite the reaction to their presence, the cadre of officers, who are wildly outnumbered, seem in no rush to leave. Even as they are pushed back towards the stairwell they entered the mall from. A protest in the Sha Tin suburb of Hong Kong was largely peaceful, until police pursued protestors into the New Park Mall. July 14, 2019-Hong Kong
Groups of Riot Police enter the mall from every direction, trapping protestors inside. A protest in the Sha Tin suburb of Hong Kong was largely peaceful, until police pursued protestors into the New Park Mall. July 14, 2019-Hong Kong
The anger amongst police and protestors has become overwhelming. The months of protests and clashing taking their toll on both sides. A protest in the Sha Tin suburb of Hong Kong was largely peaceful, until police pursued protestors into the New Park Mall. July 14, 2019-Hong Kong
An officer has his helmet knocked askew by flying objects. A protest in the Sha Tin suburb of Hong Kong was largely peaceful, until police pursued protestors into the New Park Mall. July 14, 2019-Hong Kong
Riot Police make arrests where they can. In total, police later reported 37 arrests. A protest in the Sha Tin suburb of Hong Kong was largely peaceful, until police pursued protestors into the New Park Mall. July 14, 2019-Hong Kong
During the siege, police display visible anger at protestors. Many protestors respond in-kind. A protest in the Sha Tin suburb of Hong Kong was largely peaceful, until police pursued protestors into the New Park Mall. July 14, 2019-Hong Kong
There were plenty of injuries to go around. As the conflict ebbed, medics, both on duty EMT's and volunteers flooded the mall to treat police and demonstrators. July 14, 2019-Hong Kong
As the streets are cleared, protestors file peacefully into the New Park Mall. Police wait outside. Inside the mall is an MTR station which will allow protestors to make their way home. A protest in the Sha Tin suburb of Hong Kong was largely peaceful, until police pursued protestors into the New Park Mall. July 14, 2019-Hong Kong
Just minutes after the first small group of police are driven from the mall, Riot Police enter setting of hours of violence and injuries to protestors and police alike. A protest in the Sha Tin suburb of Hong Kong was largely peaceful, until police pursued protestors into the New Park Mall. July 14, 2019-Hong Kong
Fighting: Protesters and riot police engage in open combat. Groups of protestors respond to police violence with equal force. The noise of protestors shouting in the mall is overwhelming. A protest in the Sha Tin suburb of Hong Kong was largely peaceful, until police pursued protestors into the New Park Mall. July 14, 2019-Hong Kong
Tear Gas: Admiralty, Hong Kong: Riot police fire tear gas at a group of protestors on an adjacent footbridge. Protests today marked the 5th anniversary of the Chinese government's refusal of universal suffrage for Hong Kongers. The initial refusal was the impetus for the Umbrella Movement protests in 2014. August 31, 2019-Hong Kong
August 31, 2019, Causeway Bay
Shells: Admiralty, Hong Kong: The liberal use of tear gas by the police continues, as discarded cannisters collect at the feet of riot police. The branding on the cannisters shows that they are made in Homer City, Pennsylvania, USA. The August 31st protests marked the 5th anniversary of the Chinese governments refusal of universal suffrage for Hong Kongers. The initial refusal was the impetus for the Umbrella Movement protests in 2014. August 31, 2019-Hong Kong
Small Team: Causway Bay, Hong Kong: A small group takes the lead in confronting riot police as tear gas rains down. The August 31st protests marked the 5th anniversary of the Chinese governments refusal of universal suffrage for Hong Kongers. The initial refusal was the impetus for the Umbrella Movement protests in 2014. August 31, 2019-Hong Kong
Taking Gas: Causway Bay, Hong Kong: A small group takes the lead in confronting riot police as tear gas rains down. The August 31st protests marked the 5th anniversary of the Chinese governments refusal of universal suffrage for Hong Kongers. The initial refusal was the impetus for the Umbrella Movement protests in 2014. August 31, 2019-Hong Kong
Volunteer EMS:
In September 2019, I spent two days following a volunteer EMS crew as they patrolled protests on Hong Kong Island during the tumultuous days leading up to the October 1st demonstrations, which coincided with the 70th anniversary of the CCP. Lead by Nok, a certified nurse, along with his team: Joshua, James and, Leo. Nok and his crew made their way through the chaos of the protests helping anyone they could along the way. They principally spent their time washing pepper spray and tear gas off of people's skin, and out of their eyes, applying ice packs, giving water as needed. I found them to be organized, driven, indefatigable, and well trained. Nok and the boys continue their "missions" as they call them, forever seeking to help and to give comfort to their fellow Hong Kongers.
"We got word the police are up the road. Wherever the police are, there are injuries. Let's go." -Nok
That Way: Admiralty, Hong Kong: Nok has an effortless, but definitive leadership style. It appears born of practice. The team has worked together for so long that the trust between them, and knowledge of their individual roles is clear. Following the 5th anniversary of the Umbrella Movement protesters encounter violence from police on a scale that has not been seen before. September 29, 2019-Hong Kong
Nok: Admiralty, Hong Kong: Nok, the leader of a volunteer EMS team observes the action and scans the crowd for potential injuries. Citizens gathered at Tamar Park to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Umbrella Movement protests. September 28, 2019-Hong Kong
The Wait: Admiralty, Hong Kong: Nok, the leader of a volunteer EMS team waits with his crew while police douse citizens with a fire hose. Citizens gathered at Tamar Park to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Umbrella Movement protests. September 28, 2019-Hong Kong
Gassed: Admiralty, Hong Kong: In an odd turn, Hong Kong police bring a man who was tear gassed to Nok and his crew. They wash out his eyes, give him some water and advise him to get out of the area. Following the 5th anniversary of the Umbrella Movement, protesters encounter violence from police on a scale that has not been seen before. September 29, 2019-Hong Kong
Pepper Burns: Admiralty, Hong Kong: The most common ailment treated by Nok and his crew is that of pepper spray and tear gas burning peoples skin. With the massive humidity in Hong Kong, the gas and spray adhere to the skin and can burn and irritate it for hours. Following the 5th anniversary of the Umbrella Movement, protesters encounter violence from police on a scale that has not been seen before. September 29, 2019-Hong Kong
Hurting: Causeway Bay, Hong Kong: The sudden deployment of tear gas catches many citizens simply passing by or working in local shops, utterly unprepared. Following the 5th anniversary of the Umbrella Movement, protesters encounter violence from police on a scale that has not been seen before. September 29, 2019-Hong Kong
Rubber Bullet: Causeway Bay, Hong Kong: As tear gas is fired all around us, Nok treats a reporter who was hit in the gut with a rubber bullet. Following the 5th anniversary of the Umbrella Movement, protesters encounter violence from police on a scale that has not been seen before. September 29, 2019-Hong Kong
Furious: Causeway Bay, Hong Kong: The sudden deployment of tear gas catches many citizens simply passing by or working in local shops, utterly unprepared and leaves citizens furious. Here, an elderly gentleman shouts profanities at the riot police for their behavior. Following the 5th anniversary of the Umbrella Movement, protesters encounter violence from police on a scale that has not been seen before. September 29, 2019-Hong Kong
Burned Reporter: Causeway Bay, Hong Kong: A reporter requests help. His skin burning from tear gas and pepper spray. The boys get to work trying to rinse him off. Following the 5th anniversary of the Umbrella Movement, protesters encounter violence from police on a scale that has not been seen before. September 29, 2019-Hong Kong
Disperse: Causeway Bay, Hong Kong: Riot police, after dousing a crowd of journalists with pepper spray, move immedietly to tear gas. It takes them no time at all to saturate the entire intersection. Following the 5th anniversary of the Umbrella Movement protestrors encounter violence from police on a scale that has not been seen before. September 29, 2019-Hong Kong
The embedded video is from a talk I gave to the Rohatyn Center for Global Affairs at Middlebury College in Vermont, USA on May 5th, 2021.
I've given this talk on several occasions now and it is a synthesis of my thoughts and impressions from my nearly seven years of work in Hong Kong covering both of the city's recent protest movements.
