A shocking knife attack in Taipei, Taiwan, left three people dead and at least nine others injured on Friday during the evening rush hour, authorities confirmed. The 27-year-old suspect, identified as Chang Wen, set off smoke bombs at Taipei Main Station, then moved to another station in a busy shopping district, stabbing multiple victims along the way.
The Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that the attacker later fell from a multi-storey building and died, though his motive remains unclear. Such incidents are extremely rare in Taiwan, a country known for its low violent crime rates. The last similar attack in Taipei occurred in 2014, over a decade ago.
Timeline of the Attack
The incident began around 17:20 local time (09:20 GMT) at Taipei Main Station, one of the city’s busiest transport hubs. Videos circulating on social media captured chaotic scenes, with commuters fleeing as a masked individual wearing black clothing and a baseball cap hurled smoke bombs across crowded streets.
The suspect reportedly also used Molotov cocktails inside the metro station and underground shopping street. A man who attempted to intervene was struck with a blunt object and later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
After attacking people at the main station, the suspect fled through the underground shopping centre to Zhongshan Station, approximately 800 meters away. He briefly returned to his hotel to pick up another weapon before heading back to the street outside Zhongshan Station, where he continued attacking bystanders and setting off additional smoke bombs.
The attacker entered a bookshop and department store, where police had surrounded him. During the standoff, he fell from the building and was pronounced dead shortly afterward in hospital.
Government Response and Security Measures
In the aftermath of the attack, Premier Cho Jung-tai ordered heightened security across metro stations, railway stations, and airports. Cho emphasized that authorities are investigating the suspect’s background, motives, and potential connections to other individuals.
President William Lai also vowed a swift and thorough investigation into the attack, underscoring the government’s commitment to public safety. Local media reported that the suspect had a criminal record and was already wanted by authorities prior to the incident.
Context and Historical Significance
Taiwan rarely experiences attacks of this nature. The last major knife attack in Taipei was in 2014, when four people were killed on an underground train. That perpetrator was later executed in 2016, highlighting the severe legal consequences for violent crimes in Taiwan.
The Bondi Beach shooting in Australia and this Taipei metro attack both highlight how even countries with strong public safety records can experience sudden, deadly acts of violence. Experts note that rapid emergency response, surveillance, and security measures are key to minimizing casualties in urban areas.
Public Safety and Moving Forward
Authorities are encouraging vigilance across all public areas, including transportation hubs, shopping districts, and crowded streets. Taiwanese officials are reviewing safety protocols, CCTV monitoring, and emergency response procedures to prevent similar incidents.
As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the victims while authorities work to understand the suspect’s motives and ensure the safety of commuters in Taipei.
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