2-3-2024 (TAIPEI) In a somber turn of events, an armed military guard stationed at Taiwan’s Presidential Office took his own life on Friday night, prompting an immediate response from the office, which has pledged to reinforce counseling services.
The private first class, identified only as Ku, shot himself while on duty, according to Lin Yu-chan, a spokesperson for the Presidential Office. Ku was a member of the military police’s 211th battalion. The incident, suspected to be related to “emotional instability,” occurred at approximately 9:36 p.m. local time. Fellow guards quickly reported the incident and requested urgent medical assistance.
The soldier, in his twenties, was pronounced dead at a hospital at 10:25 p.m., as reported by Taiwan’s Central News Agency. President Tsai Ing-wen was promptly briefed on the tragic event, with Lin emphasizing that the military will collaborate with prosecutors for a thorough investigation. Additionally, there are plans to enhance psychological counseling services for soldiers.
This regrettable incident is not the first of its kind at the Presidential Office. In May 2012, another private from the same battalion took his own life with his service rifle at the front gate during the presidency of the Kuomintang’s Ma Ying-jeou.
The timing of this tragic occurrence adds to the tension surrounding the Presidential Office. President Tsai Ing-wen is set to hand over the reins after President-elect Lai Ching-te, her current vice president, assumes office in May. Lai has faced strong opposition from China’s government, particularly in the aftermath of Taiwan’s recent expulsion of a Chinese fishing boat, leading to Beijing criticizing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s actions.
