Ministry of Justice Issues Deep Apology Over Incheon Electronic Anklet Knife Attack, Vows Overhaul of Monitoring System

The Ministry of Justice issued a statement apologizing deeply to the public regarding the knife attack carried out by a man in his 50s wearing an electronic anklet at a large commercial complex in Incheon today (the 13th).

Through a press release, the Ministry stated that it takes the incident very seriously, is thoroughly investigating the circumstances and the overall electronic supervision management process, and will promptly review the electronic supervision guidance and monitoring system while rapidly preparing necessary institutional improvements and supplementary measures.

The Ministry added that it places the highest priority on public life and safety, will concentrate all its capabilities to prevent similar incidents from recurring, and once again offered its deepest condolences to the victims and their families.

The Ministry explained that the 59-year-old suspect, identified by the surname A, who wielded a weapon against random citizens at a large commercial complex in Guwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, had been under electronic supervision since 2019, during which he complied with guidance and continuously received psychiatric treatment.

The Ministry noted that no reoffending acts were identified during this period.

However, A had been booked on charges of weapon possession after drilling holes in a placard with a kitchen knife from his home while holding a one-person protest in front of a hospital with which he had been in conflict.

The Ministry stated that it had been conducting alcohol addiction and psychological counseling to alleviate A's psychiatric symptoms.

Investigations showed that A received addiction counseling from an external expert for one hour starting at 10:00 a.m. today, approximately four hours before the crime.

A probation officer also met with A for 35 minutes at around 11:40 a.m. to check whether he had taken his psychiatric medication, and guided and monitored him while having lunch together until around 12:30 p.m., according to the Ministry.

It was determined that A had taken his psychiatric medication.

Regarding this incident, the Ministry explained that there were no instances of A attempting to damage his electronic device (anklet) or violating compliance rules.

A was arrested on charges of injuring eight visitors by brandishing a weapon at a large commercial complex located in Guwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, at around 1:40 p.m. today.

(Photo: Provided by reader, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.