Incident occurred Friday afternoon in busy Taipei city centre involving fatal stabbing and police chase
TAIPEI “Taipei Metro violent incident” – A knife-wielding attacker caused fatalities and injuries on Friday afternoon in central Taipei, sparking a police pursuit that ended with the suspect’s death. The event unfolded near Taipei’s main train station and a nearby subway station in a popular shopping district, causing disruption in one of the capital’s busiest transportation and commercial hubs. Authorities confirmed three people died and five others sustained injuries in the incident. This type of violent incident is rare in Taiwan, known for its generally low crime rates. The situation has attracted attention from security agencies and the public, with investigations underway to determine the full scope and motives behind the attack.
The attacker ignited smoke bombs and used a long knife during rampage, affecting commuters and shoppers
According to statements from Premier Cho Jung-tai, the suspect initially released smoke grenades at Taipei’s main train station, creating confusion and panic among commuters. He then proceeded to run toward a nearby subway station located in a busy shopping area, where the attacker wielded a long knife and indiscriminately assaulted people along the route. The attack led to three confirmed deaths and left five individuals injured, some seriously. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes of people fleeing the area amid thick smoke and shouting. The attacker was identified only by his last name, Chang, and was reported to have a criminal history with outstanding warrants. Emergency services, including police and fire department personnel, responded promptly to the scene to assist victims and secure the area.
Authorities confirm suspect carried weapons and protective gear; investigations focus on motives and connections
According to official reports, the attacker was found to have used smoke bombs during the incident and was also likely carrying other incendiary devices such as petrol bombs, some of which had apparently exploded at the scene. He was allegedly wearing body armour and a mask at the time of the attacks. Authorities noted that he deliberately used smoke grenades and a long knife to conduct the indiscriminate assault. Police confirmed that the suspect’s residence has been searched as part of the ongoing investigation. Premier Cho stated that authorities are examining the suspect’s background and any relevant associations to better understand his motives and to determine whether other individuals or factors were involved. Detailed investigative processes remain ongoing with no further speculation issued by officials.
Public and social media responses highlight concerns over urban safety and emergency preparedness
In the aftermath of the incident, social media platforms in Taiwan and Malaysia have shown increased discussion regarding public safety in densely populated urban areas such as Seri Kembangan and Selangor, where large crowds are common in transportation hubs and shopping districts. Public discourse includes reflections on emergency response times, law enforcement readiness, and potential improvements to safety infrastructure. Some experts have called for enhanced training and coordination among police and fire departments to respond effectively to sudden violent events. Meanwhile, discussions in sectors related to traffic management and city planning have emerged, focusing on ways to mitigate risks in crowded environments. Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance and proper safety standards in urban centres like Taipei and regional counterparts including Batu Caves and surrounding areas in Malaysia.
Incident caused temporary traffic disruptions with ongoing investigations likely to influence future safety measures
Following the attack and subsequent police chase, there were notable traffic congestion and delays in central Taipei, affecting both road users and public transportation services in the vicinity of the main train station and subway. Emergency crews and law enforcement conducted area cordons to facilitate investigation and victim assistance, which contributed to temporary access restrictions. In the short term, transport authorities have considered implementing additional safety protocols during peak hours to better manage crowd control and emergency evacuation routes. Looking ahead, the investigation findings may influence urban safety regulations, engineering standards for public infrastructure, and emergency response procedures not only in Taipei but also serve as reference for cities like Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs where similar risks exist. Fire department and police officials have emphasised the need for continuous evaluation of safety standards and public education to mitigate the impact of such incidents in the future.
Location: Taipei
Date: 2025-12-19