A massive rally in Hong Kong was abruptly shutdown by police on Sunday after authorities began firing tear gas into the crowd and arresting protesters in response to a claim that plainclothes police officers had been attacked by members of the crowd.

Police have begun using new tactics, showing up before the scheduled start of the demonstration dressed in full riot gear and performing preemptive “stop and search” operations in areas nearby the planned marches.

“Everyone understands that there’s a risk of stop-and-search or mass arrests. I appreciate Hong Kong people still come out courageously, despite the risk,” said organizer Ventus Lau.

Significant police presence outside the High Court including a water cannon truck and armoured truck on standby



Normally those would be on standby on Tim Wa Avenue a short distance away, but recent rallies have seen graffiti sprayed on the walls of the court building pic.twitter.com/inyyt4eFsW — Aaron Mc Nicholas (@aaronMCN) January 19, 2020

This was the second person detained shortly before 4pm today. Onlookers angry at the police for detaining the first person were shouting and a couple of plastic bottles were thrown, leading to police giving chase on Des Vouex Road Central pic.twitter.com/T1QxiyGamW — Aaron Mc Nicholas (@aaronMCN) January 19, 2020

So the police and hksar arrest the representative because too many people assembly ? Not surprise as the police are dare to kill in the protest today. #HongKongPoliceTerrorism #hongkongpolice#hongkong pic.twitter.com/BrEg9NLSjY — Jasonwu79 (@Jasonwomg79) January 19, 2020

Another protest weekend in Hong Kong . Never give up . Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong #hongkongprotest #standwithhongkong pic.twitter.com/BRr4u4GEcS — pigpigcool (@pigpigcool) January 19, 2020

Please everybody see what’s happening in #HongKong today, it is the very peaceful protest event at begin, but #hkpolice want to suppress our freedom voice, shoot many tear gas to crowd, many of kid and elders also here, one of elder was seriou injured by HKpolice attack pic.twitter.com/I8CsxpQOjg — Legend (@Legend_mh9) January 19, 2020

Journalist Joel Flynn says Hong Kong's security forces came prepared for any incident as the anti-Beijing protests continue pic.twitter.com/xcly5Es2vZ — TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) January 19, 2020

Black-clad protesters are urging others to walk as fast as possible after police ordered the rally to end abruptly. #hongkongprotests



Thousands Mass for Rally After Activist’s Call: #HongKong Update https://t.co/TgiDBwKWTr @bpolitics pic.twitter.com/P9mC1aH9T6 — Fion Li (@fion_li) January 19, 2020

A rally held in Hong Kong today to fight for freedom and democracy. People stood and observed a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of those who lost their lives in the protests.#FightForFreedomStandWithHongKong pic.twitter.com/ovzCCs6qG1 — Eileen Chang 😷⛑🥽🌂🧤🇭🇰 (@Hongkon84458416) January 19, 2020

Global rallies held in over 11 countries today to call for standing with Hong Kong and imposing sanctions against CCP, but the protest by the host is the only one forced to stop and disperse immediately. Water cannons, tear gas and bean bag rounds have been deployed by police. pic.twitter.com/I0TBD5znAE — Eileen Chang 😷⛑🥽🌂🧤🇭🇰 (@Hongkon84458416) January 19, 2020

Off-duty Hong Kong police officer arrested for supporting protests https://t.co/E6g6oRj8dE pic.twitter.com/bT7ZweOlsr — CNA (@ChannelNewsAsia) January 18, 2020