Why is the police response to the Yuen Long attack controversial?

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The Police Response to the Yuen Long Attack is Controversial Due to Allegations of Delayed Action and Insufficient Arrests

The police response to the Yuen Long attack has drawn significant criticism, primarily stemming from accusations that officers were slow to arrive at the scene and failed to apprehend the individuals involved in the assault. Critics contend that armed assailants remained in the vicinity of the Yuen Long station well into the morning without being detained, while police actions were perceived as inadequate in addressing the violence.
Delayed Arrival and Lack of Arrests

Reports indicate that police took over an hour to reach the Yuen Long station after the attack commenced. During this time, groups of men, many clad in white T-shirts and carrying weapons such as bats and sticks, were observed. The failure to arrest these individuals, some of whom were later seen leaving the area in vehicles with mainland Chinese license plates, has fueled public anger and suspicion regarding the effectiveness and impartiality of the law enforcement response.
Justification of Manpower Shortages

In defense of the police's actions, City Police Chief Stephen Lo stated that officers were occupied with managing violent anti-government protests occurring concurrently in other parts of the city. He emphasized that the force's manpower was significantly stretched, implying that resource allocation influenced their response capabilities in Yuen Long. Lo also dismissed suggestions of police collusion with triad groups as a "smear."
Limited Arrests for Unlawful Assembly

Following the incident, a police spokeswoman announced that five men had been arrested in connection with the Yuen Long attacks. However, these arrests were reportedly for "unlawful assembly," a charge that critics argue does not adequately address the violent nature of the assault. Pro-democracy lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting, who was injured during the melee, openly criticized the police response and pointed to alleged triad involvement in the attacks.
Accusations of Official Indifference

Beyond the police's direct actions, pro-democracy lawmakers have leveled accusations against the city's pro-Beijing leaders. They allege that these leaders have been deliberately overlooking or ignoring the attacks, thereby failing to uphold public safety and order. This sentiment was echoed by legislator Alvin Yeung, who characterized the events as triad gangs assaulting Hong Kong citizens while authorities appeared to disregard the situation.

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Why is the police response to the Yuen Long attack controversial?

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