Taipei Knife Attack Leaves Three Dead as Police Probe Planned Assaults

Taiwan police said the Taipei knife attack that left three people dead on Friday was planned and carried out by one suspect. The attack happened on December 19 in the busy center of Taipei. The suspect moved through several areas before he died after a fall.

Officials said the man used knives and smoke grenades during the assault. This event shocked the island, where violent crime is rare and often low in scale.

Taipei Knife Attack Confirmed as Coordinated Assault

Police said the suspect began his attack at around 3:40 p.m. local time. According to reports from AP and other major outlets, he first set fires on nearby roads. Cars and motorbikes were damaged. He also set fire to the place where he lived.

Authorities said the suspect then moved toward Taipei Main Station. There, he threw smoke grenades near two exits. He used a knife to kill one person. Short moments later, he left through underground paths to avoid crowds and police.

He then reached the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store. Police said he used more smoke grenades outside the building. He then stabbed and killed another person. He went up to the fourth floor and fatally wounded a third victim.

Officers said he later entered a male bathroom on the fifth floor. He jumped and fell to his death. Police said he was identified as Chang Wen, age 27.

The attack pushed police to raise security in Taipei. They said New Year’s Eve events will have stronger checks and more officers. Large crowds are expected in Taipei on December 31.

How the Taipei Attacks Affect Public Safety Plans

Taiwan has low violent crime rates, and this attack caused wide concern. Police said they are reviewing how fast teams responded. They are also checking how the suspect moved between locations without early detection.

Officials said more patrols will be placed at stations, malls, and public squares. They said the aim is to stop copycat attacks. The government also asked health and safety teams to report any warning signs sooner.

Events in Taipei draw many local families and tourists. Police said they will work with metro staff and store managers to improve early alerts. They expect larger security zones around major events through the end of the year.

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Q1: What happened in the Taipei knife attack?

A 27-year-old man killed three people and injured several others. He used knives and smoke grenades in different parts of Taipei. He later died after falling inside a department store building.

Q2: Where did the attacks happen?

The attacks took place near Taipei Main Station and at the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store. Fires were also set on nearby roads and at the suspect’s residence.

Q3: Did police confirm the attack was planned?

Yes. Police said the suspect planned the assaults and moved between sites with clear intent. Officials shared these details through reports from AP and other outlets.

Q4: How will this affect public events?

Police will increase security at stations, malls, and outdoor celebrations. They said New Year’s Eve events will have tighter checks.

Q5: Who was the suspect?

Police identified him as Chang Wen, age 27. They said he acted alone during the attacks.

Trusted Sources: AP News, Reuters