In a shocking turn of events, a knife and smoke-grenade attack in Taipei, Taiwan, resulted in the deaths of three people and injured eleven others. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Chang Wen, planned the attack and set fires at other locations before taking his own life by jumping from a department store building.
Taiwanese authorities have revealed that the suspect behind the recent knife and smoke-grenade attack in Taipei had planned the assault, setting fires at various locations before carrying out the deadly attack. The incident, which occurred on Friday, December 19, 2025, left three people dead and eleven injured.
According to Chang Jung-Hsin, director-general of the National Police Agency, the suspect began his series of attacks at 3:40 p.m. local time, first setting fire to roads and causing damage to cars and motorbikes. He also set fire to his residence.
The suspect later threw smoke grenades near two exits of the Taipei Main metro station and used a knife to fatally wound one person. After the attack, he took an underground path to return to the hotel where he was staying. Then, he threw more smoke grenades and used his knife to kill another person outside the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store.
He also fatally wounded another person on the fourth floor of the department store building before jumping to his death from the fifth floor.
The official said the smoke grenades used by the assailant could be purchased online and that the suspect visited the sites before the attack.
“The suspect planned an indiscriminate attack. He acted according to his plan,” Chang said, adding that the initial investigation did not find that the suspect acted with anyone else.
Authorities were still investigating his motive. Chang said the suspect had voluntarily served in the military but was fired for drunk driving. The suspect was wanted from July after failing to report to military service, he added.
“The suspect hasn’t contacted his family for more than two years,” Chang said. “They said the suspect has been interested in guns and weapons since he was young.”
Six injured people were still in the hospital. Two were being treated in intensive care units, but their conditions were stable after surgeries, authorities said.
After receiving briefings from officials, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called for a thorough investigation into the incident, looking into the suspect’s background, motives, financial resources, and whether he received help from others.
Public Reaction and Security Measures
The attacks have shocked Taiwan, where violent crime is rare, prompting authorities to step up security at crowded spots and big events, including its New Year’s Eve celebration that usually attracts many locals and tourists to an outdoor countdown.
The incident has raised concerns about public safety and the need for increased security measures in crowded areas.
As the investigation continues, the people of Taiwan are left to wonder about the motives behind the attack and how such a tragedy could have occurred in a country known for its low crime rate.
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