‘Not a Real Problem in America’

[alisawhite123]

Police stations were a particular target, with protesters hurling stones, eggs and bottles, and using giant improvised slingshots to catapult bricks over walls.

An apartment complex that houses police officers and their families also came under attack.Superintendent John Tse told reporters that police fired about 800 tear gas rounds -- almost as many as the 1,000 rounds they said they had fired throughout the last two months.

In Beijing, the press conference held by China's cabinet-level State Council was the second about the unrest in as many weeks, highlighting concern in the capital.

The clashes have piled pressure on Chinese President Xi Jinping, and led to speculation that Beijing might be forced to intervene in some capacity, even militarily.

Yang, however, seemed to downplay any idea of mainland police or military helping with law enforcement, saying the Hong Kong government was "fully capable of punishing the violent crime in accordance with the law", and of restoring order and stability.

The protests on Monday paralysed the subway system during morning peak hour, led many shops to close and delayed scores of international flights.

Lam warned the city was nearing a "very dangerous situation" as she framed the protests as a challenge to China's sovereignty.

Three masked youngsters from the largely leaderless movement took the unusual step on Tuesday of holding a press conference to demand democracy, liberty and equality, and condemn the city's pro-Beijing leaders.