This photo taken from the official Facebook page of the Hong Kong Police Force shows the police officer who was seriously injured after being attacked with a knife by a 50-year-old man in Wan Chai on July 1, 2021.

HONG KONG - People and organizations from various sectors in Hong Kong have condemned an atrocious knife attack on a police officer on Thursday night in Causeway Bay and expressed opposition to any act that glorifies violence or incites hatred.

Commissioner of Customs and Excise Hermes Tang Yi-hoi; Commissioner of Correctional Services Woo Ying-ming; Director of Fire Services Joseph Leung Wai-hung; Director of Immigration Au Ka-wang and Controller of the Government Flying Service Captain Wu Wai-hung issued a joint statement on Saturday strongly condemning the attack. 

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong said the violent act seriously trampled on the rule of law and was a malicious provocation against the Hong Kong police

“We strongly condemn the terrorist attack in which a police officer on duty was attacked with a knife on July 1, and later some people even glorified the act of the attacker as heroism on social media,” the statement reads. 

“We fully support the police's resolute enforcement actions and would like to thank the police officers for their commitment to duties. We also wish the injured police officer a speedy recovery and extend our regards to his family members,” it added.

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According to the statement, online comments glorified the suspect's cold-blooded act of violence, incited hatred and further advocated terrorist activities. 

“This not only directly encourages more people to replicate the suspect's brutal and unlawful acts, it also condones the emergence of domestic terrorism and puts Hong Kong's public safety and order at risks. Such influence can be catastrophic,” the statement reads.

The heads of the disciplinary forces said the enactment of the National Security Law last year has halted chaos and restored order in Hong Kong, and the society has gradually stabilized. However, criminals by whatever means keep trying to undermine the overall security of Hong Kong.

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong said the violent act seriously trampled on the rule of law and was a malicious provocation against the Hong Kong police.

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The political group said it firmly supports the government and the police in strictly enforcing the law, safeguarding national security, and ensuring the safety of people's lives and property.

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions urged the police to make thorough investigations and called for concerted efforts of various sectors to maintain Hong Kong's stability and peace, adding that residents should be alerted against the resurgence of violence and terrorism.

Hong Kong's New People's Party also warned of "lone wolf" attacks.

The Hong Kong Legal Exchange Foundation called on the public to be aware that some external forces may plot to incite rebellion and hatred against the government and instigate violent acts.

With inputs from Xinhua