On Friday evening in Taipei, Taiwan, a tragic incident unfolded as a man armed with at least one knife and smoke grenades launched a random attack on unsuspecting crowds. Reports indicated that the assailant killed at least three people and injured 11 others before ultimately taking his own life by jumping from the sixth floor of a department store building. The National News Agency and the city government confirmed these developments, with the suspect being identified as 27-year-old Chang Wen.
The attacks began at the Taipei Main metro station, close to the city's primary train station, where Chang threw smoke grenades near an underground exit. Subsequently, he proceeded to attack individuals with a sharp object, prompting chaos as pedestrians fled the scene. He eventually made his way to the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store, a popular shopping destination, where he continued his assault, targeting individuals primarily in the neck.
According to police investigations, between the two attack locations, Chang took an underground path to a nearby hotel, where he retrieved additional weapons before resurfacing near the Zhongshan metro station. Authorities emphasized that they had not identified any accomplices in the incident and were actively exploring possible motives. Meanwhile, investigators discovered several lethal weapons in Chang's rental home in Taipei and the hotel room where he had been staying for three nights.
Video footage broadcasted on local television captured Chang, dressed in black and wearing a gas mask, as he dropped smoke grenades at the metro station and proceeded to attack passersby at the department store. Local hospitals later reported that three victims had died from their injuries, while 11 others were initially hospitalized, with six still receiving care, including two in intensive care.
Taipei's Mayor, Chiang Wan-an, shared harrowing details about the victims, including a 57-year-old man who valiantly tried to subdue the suspect at the metro station but was fatally wounded. Medical reports indicated that this individual sustained a penetrating injury caused by a sharp object, which had caused severe damage to his internal organs. In addition, another victim, who was waiting outside the department store for her daughter, characterized the attack as feeling more like a hit than a slash, leading her to witness a chaotic scene of injured individuals in need of urgent medical assistance.
Compounding the tragic circumstances, it was revealed that Chang was wanted for failing to report for reserve military training scheduled for November 2024. Reportedly, he had not updated his household registration, leading to the nondelivery of his military service summons, as stated by the district prosecutor's office. This element of his background has raised additional questions regarding the motivations behind his violent actions.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking incident, local authorities continue their investigation, seeking to piece together the events that unfolded during this tragic evening in Taipei. The incident has left a profound impact on residents, highlighting concerns surrounding public safety and potential mental health issues that may contribute to such violence.
