Knife Attack in Taiwan Leaves Three Dead, Suspect Dies after Falling from Store

On Friday evening, a violent knife attack occurred in Taiwan's capital, resulting in three fatalities and nine injuries. A man armed with a knife and equipped with a smoke grenade launched an attack on bystanders in Taipei, according to reports by local authorities and the national news agency.

The suspected assailant, identified as 27-year-old Chang Wen, met his end after falling from the sixth floor of a department store. This death was confirmed by hospital staff, as reported by the Central News Agency.

Chang Wen instigated chaos by deploying a smoke grenade near an exit of Taipei's Main Train Station, prompting pedestrians to flee in alarm, based on coverage from local media outlets.

Subsequently, he moved towards a bustling shopping area, the Eslite department store, where he attacked individuals on the first and fourth floors, targeting their necks, as detailed by the police.

This tragic event unfolded during the busy evening commute, as seen in social media clips showing people desperately escaping the scene.

Casualties and Injuries

Three lives were lost as a consequence of the attack, local hospitals confirmed, while nine more individuals sustained injuries. Among them, one is reported to be in critical condition.

Taiwan's Premier, Cho Jung-tai, highlighted that a passerby, after being attacked, was unresponsive before being rushed to the hospital. The smoke released during the incident resulted in respiratory issues for another victim.

Government Response

In response to the attack, heightened security measures were put in place at transportation hubs including metro stations, railways, and airports, as instructed by Premier Cho Jung-tai.

"Investigations into the suspect's background and connections are underway to fully understand his motivations and identify any related elements," Premier Cho stated, as per reports from Reuters.

Background on the Suspect

Chang was previously wanted for failing to attend mandatory reserve military training in November 2024. This failure to report his change of address led to the non-receipt of his summons for military service, as documented by the district prosecutors' office.

A similar incident in Taiwan occurred in 2014 when a man killed four passengers on a subway in Taipei—a tragedy that resulted in the perpetrator's execution two years later, according to BBC News.