Three people were killed and five injured when a knife-wielding attacker went on a rampage in central Taipei on Dec. 19, before dying during a police chase after falling from a building, the Premier said.
Taipei Attack Details
The man released smoke bombs at Taipei’s main train station, then attacked people as he ran to a nearby subway station in a busy shopping district, according to Premier Cho Jung-tai.
President Lai Ching-te said the attacks took place at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station.
The suspected attacker had a prior criminal record and outstanding warrants, and his house had been searched, Cho told reporters.
Besides smoke grenades, the man likely possessed items such as petrol bombs that appeared to have burned at the scene, and was also wearing what appeared to be body armour and a mask, Cho said. “It appears he deliberately threw smoke bombs and wielded a long knife to carry out indiscriminate attacks on the public.”
An attacker was suspected to have killed himself after the attack, according to Taiwanese news agency CNA.
PHOTO: SCREENGRABS FROM XIAONIU6161/X
The attacker has been identified by his last name as Chang. Authorities will investigate his background and relationships to understand his motives and determine if there were other connected factors.
Several people were injured after a person released smoke bombs at a Taipei subway station.
PHOTO: FOREIGNERSINTW/X
President Lai urged the public at train stations and other crowded places to remain calm and follow instructions from law enforcement. He also advised people to report any suspicious situations to police or station staff.
Violent crime is rare in Taiwan.
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