Attack Unfolds Across Transport and Shopping Hubs
A rare mass stabbing has shaken Taiwan’s capital after an assailant carried out a coordinated violent attack across central Taipei, leaving at least four people dead and several others injured. Authorities said the suspect also died after falling from a building during a police pursuit. The incident began inside Taipei Main Station, one of the city’s busiest transport hubs, before spilling into surrounding commercial areas, including the popular Zhongshan district.
According to officials, the attacker used smoke grenades to sow panic during peak commuting hours, impairing visibility and triggering evacuations. Witness footage circulating online showed smoke filling underground stations and streets as crowds attempted to flee. One victim was fatally wounded while trying to intervene inside the station, highlighting the chaos and speed with which the violence unfolded.
Suspect Profile and Police Response
The suspect was identified by authorities as a man in his late twenties from Taoyuan in northern Taiwan. He had previously served as a volunteer in the air force in a communications role near Songshan airport and was discharged several years earlier. Government officials confirmed he had a prior criminal record and outstanding warrants related to failure to report for military service. By official accounts, the attack appeared deliberate, though investigators said the motive remained unclear.
Police launched a large-scale response as the suspect moved between locations, allegedly carrying multiple knives and additional smoke devices. During the chase, the suspect fell from a building and later died. Taiwan’s premier and president both addressed the incident, vowing heightened security measures nationwide and stressing that there would be no tolerance for such violence. Law enforcement agencies also moved to secure transport infrastructure and shopping centers in the hours following the attack.
Eyewitness Accounts and Public Impact
Residents and workers in the affected areas described scenes of fear and confusion. Videos posted to social media captured the suspect throwing smoke grenades from bags and a wheeled suitcase, then running into buildings while slashing at random. Employees at nearby restaurants said people rushed inside seeking shelter as smoke spread and sirens sounded. One resident described the smell and atmosphere as terrifying, with people unsure where to run.
Violent crime remains relatively rare in Taiwan, a fact that has intensified public shock. However, a series of isolated stabbing incidents in recent years has raised concerns about public safety on mass transit. Authorities have previously introduced instructional videos on trains demonstrating how passengers might defend themselves using everyday objects such as umbrellas or fire extinguishers. The latest attack is likely to renew debate about prevention, mental health screening, and the availability of replica weapons.
Investigation, Security, and Wider Concerns
Photos released by local media showed a burned bag containing what appeared to be unused incendiary devices, alongside replica smoke grenades resembling military equipment. Sellers of such items said they are marketed for lawful purposes like training or outdoor signaling and denied noticing suspicious purchasing patterns linked to the suspect. Following the incident, at least one online storefront associated with the equipment was taken offline.
Taiwan’s leadership emphasized that security would be tightened at transport nodes and major public venues while the investigation continues. Analysts note that the attack underscores vulnerabilities in crowded urban environments and the risks posed by readily available imitation devices that can be misused to amplify fear. As authorities work to establish a clearer motive, the incident has already left a deep mark on public consciousness in a city unaccustomed to mass-casualty violence.
