Taipei Knife Attack: Smokes and Blades Cause Chaos, 3 Dead, 9 Injured

TAIPEI: Panic gripped the streets of Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, on Friday night, as a masked assailant wearing body armor launched a brutal knife attack on civilians. The incident claimed at least three lives and left nine others injured.

According to authorities, the suspect, 27-year-old Chang Wen, first threw a smoke bomb into a crowded area before wielding a knife against bystanders. The attacker ultimately fell from the sixth floor of a building while being pursued and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Knife-Wielding Attack in Broad Daylight
Footage obtained by news agencies shows Chang dressed in black with a black cap, calmly crossing a zebra crossing near Taipei Main Metro Station before suddenly lunging at the crowd with a knife. Civilians were seen fleeing in terror as screams echoed through the streets.

The assailant then moved north toward a popular shopping area, targeting the Eslight Spectrum Nanxi Departmental Store. He threw smoke grenades on the first and fourth floors and attacked shoppers, primarily aiming at their necks. Police reports indicate that he briefly returned to a hotel to collect additional weapons before reappearing on the street outside the metro station.

Suspect Had Prior Criminal Record
Taiwanese Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai confirmed that Chang had an existing criminal record and was wanted under a court-issued warrant. Authorities searched his residence and are investigating his background and connections to understand the motive behind the attack.

Reports also reveal that Chang had failed to report for mandatory Reserve Military Training in November 2024, violating Taiwan’s compulsory military service laws. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an stated that a 57-year-old man had attempted to intervene and stop the attacker but was severely injured in the process.

The incident has shocked the nation and raised questions about public safety measures in crowded urban areas.