Three people were killed and 11 injured when a man armed with a knife and smoke grenades attacked crowds in Taipei on Friday evening. The incident occurred near Taipei Main metro station and later moved into the popular Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store.
Attack Overview
At the underground exit of the main station, the suspect threw at least two smoke grenades before randomly striking pedestrians with a sharp object, sending them running. Video footage showed him wearing a gas mask and clad in black, a chilling image that was broadcast on local television networks.
The suspect then headed north into a shopping district, where he again used smoke grenades and stabbed several people on the first and fourth floors of the department store, primarily targeting the neck area. The attacks were described by police as indiscriminate and random.
Suspect Profile
Between the two scenes, the suspect took an underground passage to a nearby hotel, where he retrieved a lethal weapon-an edged instrument-before reappearing on a road outside Zhongshan metro station close to the department store.
Police recovered lethal weapons in both the suspect’s rental home in Taipei and the hotel room where he had stayed for three nights near Zhongshan. No accomplice was found, and investigators are still probing possible motives.
Police Investigation
Local hospitals confirmed three deaths and reported that 11 others were initially hospitalized. Six of those patients remained in hospitals, with two admitted to intensive care units, according to the Central News Agency’s Saturday update.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an told local media that a 57-year-old man immediately tried to stop the suspect at the metro station’s exit, but was fatally wounded. National Taiwan University Hospital described the fatal wound as a penetrating injury about five centimeters in length caused by a sharp object that reached from the right lung to the left atrium.
A Taipei Metro staffer was hospitalized after inhaling excessive smoke while responding to the attack, highlighting the danger posed by the suspect’s use of smoke grenades.
Victim Accounts
EBC News reported that another man died after being attacked near the department store. The incident added to the growing list of casualties in the chaotic scene.
A female victim recounted to EBC that she was hit by the suspect outside the department store while waiting for her daughter for a dinner appointment. “It did not feel like a slash – it felt more like being hit,” she said. “Then it really hurt.” She also observed people lying on the ground needing first aid because they were bleeding.
Aftermath and Response
Chang Wen, the 27-year-old suspect, had failed to report for reserve military training in November 2024. He was wanted for violating the law on mandatory military service and had not updated his household registration, leading to nondelivery of his reserve summons, according to a district prosecutors’ office.
Police declared the suspect dead at a hospital after he jumped from the sixth floor of the department store building. The fall resulted in his death, concluding the violent sequence that had unfolded over several hours.
Investigation Details
Investigators recovered a variety of lethal weapons, including knives and possibly other edged instruments, from the suspect’s apartment and hotel room. The evidence suggests the suspect prepared for violence before the attacks began.
No accomplices were identified, and police are still examining possible motives behind the attacks. The incident has prompted a review of security protocols in Taipei’s public transport and commercial areas.
The Central News Agency reported that the suspect had taken a path through an underground passage to a hotel, retrieved a lethal weapon, and then returned to the department store, where he inflicted multiple stab wounds.
Hospital Update
Police have recovered evidence indicating the suspect possessed a gas mask, smoke grenades, and a knife. The suspect’s use of these weapons contributed to the widespread injuries and chaos in the city.
The Central News Agency’s Saturday update noted that 11 people were initially hospitalized, with six remaining in hospitals and two in intensive care units. This figure reflects the severity of the injuries sustained during the attacks.
Key Takeaways
- Three people died and 11 others were hospitalized following a knife and smoke grenade attack in Taipei.
- The 27-year-old suspect, Chang Wen, was found dead after jumping from the sixth floor of the department store.
- Police recovered lethal weapons from his residence and hotel, but no accomplice was identified.
City Response
In the wake of the attacks, Taipei’s mayor and transportation officials convened an emergency meeting to review security footage, assess the effectiveness of existing protective measures, and coordinate with law enforcement agencies. They also announced plans to increase the presence of security personnel at major transit hubs and shopping districts.
The Central News Agency also reported that the suspect had been using a gas mask during the attacks, a detail that raised concerns about the possibility of chemical weapons. Investigators are examining whether any toxic substances were released during the use of the smoke grenades.
Police are also reviewing the suspect’s digital footprint, including social media posts and financial records, to uncover potential triggers or affiliations that might explain the sudden outbreak of violence. The investigation remains open, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
The Department of Health has issued a statement urging the public to seek medical attention promptly if they experience symptoms related to smoke inhalation or knife injuries. Hospitals have increased capacity for trauma care, and emergency services have been briefed on new protocols for handling mass casualty incidents. The city also plans to conduct a comprehensive review of emergency response drills in collaboration with local fire departments and police units.
Authorities also highlighted the importance of community vigilance and encouraged residents to report suspicious behavior to local police immediately.
Closing
The incident, which began at the Taipei Main metro station and culminated in the department store, has left the city grappling with questions about public safety and the adequacy of emergency response protocols.
Authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the attack, while the city mourns the victims and seeks to strengthen measures to prevent future violence.
