this post was submitted on 26 Apr 2026
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I don't think the CPC nor anyone ever knew his identity. 1989 was an era before mass surveillance. The only evidence that exists is this grainy analog footage shot from a mile away, and it includes no facial features. Do you know how many ~5'6" men with black hair there were in Beijing?
my pet theory is that he's alive today and doesn't even know the US has a cool photo of him
Even if they did lose the person after escorting him out, not making the person a big deal certainly helps in not encouraging copycats
Here's from Wikipedia in the aftermath of the 1989 protests:
Copycats...for the next Tiennamen square clash?