Compensation Row Turns Violent as Man Attacks China Government Building With Excavator

BEIJING, Nov 11: A 47-year-old man drove an excavator into a government service centre in China's northwestern Shaanxi province, demolishing its entrance and damaging several sections of the complex in an incident that reportedly lasted nearly an hour.

The incident took place on November 9 at the Fengdong New City Government Service Centre in the Xixian New Area of Xi'an, according to reports carried by BBC News.

Videos circulating on social media showed the excavator tearing through the building's entrance, damaging its canopy, steps, signboard and glass doors, while parts of the exterior were also affected.

Police identified the suspect only by his surname, Hu, and confirmed that he was 47 years old. He was detained at the scene and placed under criminal compulsory measures, according to a police statement reported by Chinese media.

No injuries were reported. Staff and members of the public were evacuated as the incident unfolded, while the service centre resumed normal operations later that afternoon.

The incident was reportedly linked to a dispute over compensation for the demolition of a livestock farm.

A staff member at the local Fengdong New City administrative committee told Chinese media that the man had been dissatisfied with the compensation provided following the demolition of his farm.

However, police have not officially confirmed the motive, saying only that the case remains under investigation.

The BBC reported that police had detained the suspect and that nobody was injured in the incident.