A 27-year-old man named Chang Wen carried out a random knife attack on December 19, 2025, at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station in Taiwan’s capital. He used smoke bombs, petrol bombs, and knives, killing four people—including himself—and injuring nine others with stab wounds and blunt trauma. Wen wore a mask, damaged vehicles, set fire to his residence beforehand, and jumped to his death during a police chase.
Key Details from Authorities
- Premier Cho Jung-tai: Described the attack as deliberate and indiscriminate, urging nationwide high alert at train stations. The government pledged full support for victims’ families, including compensation and care.
- National Police Agency Director-General Chang Jung-Hsin: Confirmed Wen planned the spree; police have boosted security with more patrols.
- Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an: Verified the suspect’s death during pursuit.
- President Lai Ching-te: Offered condolences, thanked medical teams and bystanders who intervened, and ordered a thorough probe into motives, background, accomplices, and instigators.
Response and Aftermath
Police implemented immediate measures like heightened visibility at stations. Motive remains unknown, but investigations continue. This echoes Taiwan’s history of random attacks, such as the 2014 Taipei Metro incident, prompting calls for better public safety protocols.
For real-time updates, check Reuters or Taiwan’s National Police Agency site. What’s your take on how cities should prevent such lone-wolf attacks?
