At around 8:30 pm, police issued a statement condemning protesters for escalating the violence by setting a cart with miscellaneous objects on fire before pushing it at police officers. Some protesters committed arson at various locations, according to the police.

The protesters, wearing face masks, defaced property, left graffiti and dismantled metal sidewalk railings along their way in Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, despite continual police warnings.

China Daily reporters, when taking photos at the scene, were warned repeatedly and followed by several masked protesters. Some radical protesters also swore at reporters, with one using an umbrella to stop reporters from taking pictures.

Protesters held umbrellas to take cover for those removing the railings to prevent capture by the press. Other masked protesters carried the makeshift barriers – made by the metal railings tied in triangle form, to build defense against police.