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A 24-year-old woman in Taiwan sparked a public panic in a busy Hualien shopping district on 12 January after appearing in full tactical gear modelled after the character "Ghost" from the Call of Duty video game franchise
The sight of the individual in a skull mask with a holstered handgun led to fears of a violent attack, prompting a swift police response, according to SETN.
At approximately 4pm, bystanders on Zhongzheng Road were startled by a person wearing a professional-grade bulletproof vest and a tactical helmet, carrying a realistic-looking firearm.
Amid recent public anxiety surrounding stabbing incidents on the Taipei Metro, residents feared a "random attacker" was on the loose and immediately alerted authorities.
Police intercepted the woman, identified as Liao, on a sidewalk near the intersection of Zhongzheng and Xingang Streets
Upon being approached by officers, Liao immediately apologised and clarified that she was a cosplayer.
She explained that she was preparing for next month's Nangang Animation and Comic Exhibition and was "testing out" the weight and fit of her equipment in a public setting.
While she maintained that her intentions were harmless, authorities found the replica handgun to be realistic enough to disturb the public peace.
Liao was taken to the local police station for questioning
Under Article 65 of Taiwan's Social Order Maintenance Act, it is illegal to carry objects that resemble real firearms in public without a valid reason if they cause alarm or disturb the peace.
As a result of the stunt, Liao now faces an administrative fine of up to TWD18,000 (RM2,600).
