VIDEO: Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Protester Shot With Live Bullet As Violence Escalates

VIDEO: Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Protester Shot With Live Bullet As Violence Escalates

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A protester in Hong Kong was shot by a live bullet — the first time during the current protest movement, according to reports and video above shot by Hong Kong Free Press.

The New York Times writes:

"The Hong Kong police on Tuesday shot a demonstrator with a live round for the first time during the city’s monthslong protest movement, three pro-democracy lawmakers said, escalating the territory’s political crisis on the same day that the central government in Beijing staged a huge military parade to celebrate 70 years of Communist control," wrote Mike Ives. 

He goes on to report:

The protester’s condition was not immediately known.

In a video circulating online, an officer is seen firing a handgun at close range at a protester wearing a black T-shirt and a pink gas mask. 

Another video shows the protester being treated by paramedics. Demonstrations were being held in the area at the time, but it was unclear what had specifically prompted the officer to fire.