Knife-Wielding Attacker Kills Three in Taipei Metro Attacks, Dies During Police Chase

TAIPEI, Taiwan (Journos News) – A masked man armed with a long knife and incendiary devices killed at least three people during coordinated attacks at two of Taipei’s busiest metro stations on Friday before dying while attempting to evade arrest, Taiwanese authorities said. Several others were injured in the violence, which involved smoke bombs and petrol bombs and triggered heightened security measures across the island.

Attacks at central transit hubs

The attacks unfolded on Friday, Dec 19, at Taipei Main Station and later near Zhongshan Station, both major transport hubs serving commuters, shoppers and tourists. According to the Taipei City Fire Department, emergency services responded to reports of smoke-filled underground areas and multiple victims suffering from stab wounds and blunt-force injuries.

Officials confirmed that four people died in total, including the suspect. Five others were injured and taken to hospital, some in critical condition. Earlier in the day, authorities said several victims had suffered cardiac arrest as a result of their injuries.

Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai described the violence as a “deliberate act,” though he stressed that the motive remained unclear. Speaking to reporters, Cho said the suspect wore a mask and appeared to have body armour as he carried out what authorities described as indiscriminate attacks on members of the public.

Use of smoke and petrol bombs

Authorities said the suspect first targeted Taipei Main Station, where he threw multiple devices that released thick smoke. Cho said the man hurled “five or six gasoline bombs or smoke grenades” inside or near the station, creating confusion and panic among commuters.

After the initial attack, the suspect fled toward a nearby subway station in a busy shopping district, attacking people along the way, Cho said. Images released by Taiwan’s state-run Central News Agency showed a canister lying on the ground at the main station, while police officers examined potential evidence at the scene.

Video footage circulating on social media showed a dense cloud of white smoke filling an underground section of a metro station, with bystanders standing at a distance as emergency responders worked to secure the area. Authorities have urged the public not to share unverified images or information related to the incident.

Victims and suspect identified

The suspected attacker was identified by officials as a 27-year-old man surnamed Chang. Cho said the man had a prior criminal record and outstanding warrants, though he did not provide further details. Police have searched the suspect’s residence as part of the investigation.

“We will investigate his background and associated relationships to understand his motives and determine if there are other connected factors,” Cho told reporters.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said one of the victims was killed while attempting to stop the attacker at Taipei Main Station. “Unfortunately, he was attacked and passed away. We are all deeply saddened,” Chiang said.

The mayor added that the suspect died after jumping from a building in an apparent attempt to avoid arrest. “Currently, we understand that the suspect committed suicide by jumping from a building to evade arrest and has been confirmed dead,” Chiang said.

Witness accounts describe chaos

Witnesses interviewed by local broadcaster EBC News described scenes of confusion and fear as the attack unfolded. One witness said he initially thought the incident was an emergency drill.

“At first I thought it was a drill, then I saw a person holding a knife and throwing smoke grenades,” the witness said, adding that the attacker appeared to be wearing a gas mask and a bulletproof vest.

Another witness told the network that a man wearing a gas mask ran out and began throwing canisters that released gas. “I quickly ran away. He kept throwing them behind me,” the witness said. “I didn’t hear any explosions, but a lot of gas kept spraying out.”

Authorities have not independently verified all details from witness accounts but said they were consistent with the evidence gathered at the scene.

Security tightened nationwide

In response to the attacks, Taiwan’s government ordered heightened security at key infrastructure and public spaces across the island. Cho said all major locations, including railway stations, highways, subway systems and airports, were placed on high alert.

“All important locations are maintaining a high level of alert and vigilance,” he said, urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement.

President Lai Ching-te said in a Facebook post that authorities had increased security measures nationwide and were working to clarify the details of the case as quickly as possible. “There will be no leniency, and we will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our citizens,” Lai said.

The president also cautioned residents against forwarding unverified messages or rumours, warning that misinformation could hinder emergency response efforts.

Rare violence in Taiwan

Violent crime is relatively rare in Taiwan, which is often cited as one of East Asia’s safest societies. However, the attack revived memories of a 2014 stabbing spree on Taipei’s metro system, when a man killed four people in one of the deadliest attacks in the city’s modern history. The perpetrator in that case was later executed in 2016.

Authorities said there was no immediate indication that Friday’s attacks were linked to any organised group or broader security threat. Investigators are focusing on reconstructing the suspect’s movements and determining whether he acted alone.

As forensic teams continued their work at the affected stations, normal metro services were gradually restored, though some areas remained cordoned off for investigation late into the evening.

Officials said updates would be provided as more information becomes available.