A Chinese official identified as Chen Zhongshu, the chief of land and resources bureau in Panzhihua, Sichuan, shot two of his superiors on Wednesday morning during a city convention and exhibition. He then went ahead to commit suicide. 

The 54-year-old suspect stormed into the meeting and opened fire, aiming at mayor Li Jianqin and Communist Party Chief Zhang Yan. He immediately escaped the scene.

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BBC reported that Chen was later found dead on the second floor of the same building. Li and Zhang did not sustain any major injuries from the incident.

Chen's motives behind the shooting are still unclear. His actions are, however, believed to be associated with the fact that Li had been made mayor of Panzihua after only five months of heading the Ministry of Land's and Resource's Office, according to Shanghaiist. 

Following Li's appointment, Chen has been put under investigation by the ministry. The Southern Metropolis News quoted an unnamed official saying that Li and Zhang were out to "set Chen up."

Incidents of shootings are a rare occurrence in China as gun ownership is highly regulated. It is also still unclear how Chen was able to acquire a firearm and gain access to the exhibition.

Tagschina, shooting, Suicide