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The Attack Sequence
A 27-year-old Taiwanese man, identified as Chang Wen, killed three people and wounded 11 in a series of knife and smoke-grenade attacks across Taipei, before falling to his death from a department store building later that day.
The attacks began at 3:40 p.m. local time, when the suspect set fire to roads, damaging cars and motorbikes, and also ignited a blaze at his own residence. He then threw smoke grenades near two exits of Taipei Main metro station and used a knife to fatally wound a person.
After the first assault, the suspect took an underground passage to return to the hotel where he was staying, threw more smoke grenades, and used his knife to kill another person outside the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store. He fatally wounded a fourth victim on the fourth floor of the department store building before jumping from the fifth floor to his death.
Investigation and Motive
The National Police Agency’s director-general, Chang Jung-Hsin, said the smoke grenades could be purchased online and that the suspect had visited the sites beforehand. He added, “The suspect planned an indiscriminate attack. He acted according to his plan.”
The initial investigation found no evidence the suspect acted with anyone else.
Authorities say the suspect had voluntarily served in the military but was dismissed for drunk driving. He was wanted from July after failing to report for military service. Chang noted the suspect had not contacted his family for more than two years and that they described him as having an interest in guns and weapons from a young age.
Aftermath and Response
Six injured people remain in hospital, two of whom are in intensive-care units but are stable after surgery. The incident prompted Taiwanese authorities to heighten security at crowded venues and major events, including the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration.
President Lai Ching-te called for a thorough investigation into the suspect’s background, motives, financial resources and any assistance he may have received.
Key Takeaways
- A 27-year-old man carried out knife and smoke-grenade attacks, killing three and injuring 11.
- The suspect set fires, used grenades, and died by falling from a department store building.
- Investigators find no accomplices; motive remains unclear.
The incident marks one of the most severe violent attacks in Taiwan, a country where such crime is rare.
