Knife-Wielding Attacker Kills Three in Taipei, Dies During Police Chase
At least three people were killed and several others injured following a series of violent attacks at major metro stations in Taipei on Friday, December 19, Taiwanese authorities confirmed. The suspect, a 27-year-old man, also died after fleeing the scene during a police pursuit.
The attacks began at Taipei Main Station, one of the city’s busiest transportation hubs, where the suspect allegedly threw multiple petrol bombs and smoke bombs into public areas. Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai described the incident as a deliberate act, though the motive has not yet been determined.
According to Cho, the suspect wore a mask and appeared to have body armour. He reportedly threw five or six gasoline bombs or smoke grenades at the Main Station, causing panic among commuters. Authorities said the suspect then wielded a long knife and carried out indiscriminate attacks on members of the public.
After the initial incident, the suspect fled toward Zhongshan Station, a nearby subway station located in a busy shopping district. Cho said the attacker continued assaulting people along the way before authorities were able to respond in force.
The Taipei City Fire Department confirmed that four people died as a result of the incident, including the suspect. Five others sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. Earlier reports indicated that several victims had suffered cardiac arrest, while others were treated for injuries caused during the attacks.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an told reporters that one of the victims was killed while attempting to stop the attacker at Taipei Main Station. He praised the individual’s bravery and expressed condolences to the victim’s family.
Authorities later confirmed that the suspect died after jumping from a building in an apparent attempt to evade arrest. “He has been confirmed dead,” Mayor Chiang said, adding that the city was deeply saddened by the loss of life.
Premier Cho also revealed that the suspect, identified as Chang Wen, had a prior criminal record and outstanding warrants. Police have since searched his residence as part of an ongoing investigation. Officials said they are examining his background and any possible connections to determine whether others may have been involved.
In response to the attacks, security was immediately increased across Taiwan. Authorities said all key locations, including railway stations, subway systems, highways, and airports, were placed on high alert. Police and security personnel were deployed to prevent further incidents and reassure the public.
Images released by Taiwan’s Central News Agency showed officers examining potential evidence at Taipei Main Station, including canisters believed to be linked to the attack. Social media footage showed large clouds of smoke inside underground station areas, with commuters keeping their distance.
Witnesses told local media they initially believed the situation was a drill before realizing the seriousness of the attack. Several described seeing a masked man throwing canisters that released smoke, prompting people to flee.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said authorities were working quickly to clarify the details of the case and ensure public safety. He also urged residents not to share unverified information online.
Violent crime remains rare in Taiwan, making the attack particularly shocking. The incident has drawn comparisons to a 2014 stabbing attack on Taipei’s metro system that left four people dead, an event that deeply impacted the nation.
Investigations into Friday’s attack are ongoing as authorities work to determine the motive behind the violence and assess further security measures.
