Panic gripped Taiwan’s capital on Friday evening as an armed assailant launched a coordinated attack involving smoke grenades and a long knife at two of the city’s busiest transit hubs. The "deliberate act" of violence resulted in at least three fatalities and left up to nine others injured, according to authorities.
The Rampage: From Taipei Main to Zhongshan
The incident began around 5:24 PM, the peak of the Friday evening commute. The suspect, identified by police as 27-year-old Chang Wen, entered Taipei Main Station wearing a gas mask and what appeared to be black body armor.
- Taipei Main Station: Chang threw multiple smoke grenades near Exit M7, filling the underground halls with thick white smoke. In the ensuing chaos, he attacked a 57-year-old man who reportedly tried to intervene. The victim suffered cardiac arrest and was later pronounced dead.
- The Chase to Zhongshan: Following the initial assault, the suspect fled north toward the Zhongshan MRT Station and the popular Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store.
- Indiscriminate Stabbing: Witnesses described a terrifying scene as the suspect used a long blade to slash at pedestrians. Two more victims were fatally wounded in this area, primarily suffering deep injuries to the neck and upper body.
Suspect Identified: A Former Soldier
The suspect, Chang Wen, was a former air force volunteer soldier discharged in 2022. Local reports indicate he was a wanted man, with an outstanding warrant issued in July for evading mandatory military reserve service.
Upon being cornered by police near a department store in the Zhongshan shopping district, Chang reportedly jumped from the sixth floor of a building to evade arrest. He was rushed to the hospital but was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.
Government Response & Safety Alert
Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai and President Lai Ching-te both issued statements condemning the attack. "There will be no leniency," the President stated, ordering heightened security across all major transportation hubs, including airports and high-speed rail stations.
Current Situation:
- MRT Services: Trains temporarily bypassed the affected stations during the investigation but have since resumed normal operations after the smoke dissipated.
- Security: Armed police presence has been significantly increased across the Taipei Metro network.
- Victims: Hospitals are currently treating nine people; at least one remains in critical condition.
