Police to question Jackie Chan on gun claims

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Police are to question action movie star Jackie Chan over his claim that he once used "guns and grenades" to fend off triad members.

The actor made the claim in the same interview with a mainland magazine in which he controversially suggested the government restrict Hong Kong people's freedom to demonstrate. Chan said he and other actors used to be bullied by triad members, who used guns to threaten them and extort money. "In the past, when they bullied me, I hid in the United States. They opened fire at me once I got off the aeroplane. From that moment on, I needed to carry a gun every day when I went out. When I returned to Hong Kong and ate outside, more than 20 people surrounded me with melon knives," he said. "I pulled out a gun, and had two more concealed. I told them they had been going too far and that I had been hiding from them. Later on, I confronted them with two guns and six grenades," he was quoted as saying. He did not elaborate on when the events happened and how the confrontations ended. Chan did not say if he still carries a gun when going out. Chan also condoned some forms of robbery. "As long as there are people, there are thieves," he said. "If you can get away with gold from HSBC without hurting anyone, that's wonderful, and I think you are a genius. But it is unforgivable to injure anyone if you hold hostages." A police spokesman said they would follow up on the remarks. A source said officers were trying to contact Chan. Barrister Albert Luk Wai-hung said it would be difficult for police to collect evidence, as Chan could be making up the claims. "Even if he says he had guns, or even if somebody saw them, it would not be enough. There would have to be proof they were real," he said. Possession of firearms without a licence can bring penalties of up to 14 years' in jail. Chan could not be reached for comment.