At least four people have been killed and several others injured in a rare mass stabbing incident in central Taipei after an attacker sparked panic using smoke grenades during a violent rampage through the city.
The suspect is also among the dead after falling from a building while being pursued by police in a busy shopping district on Friday evening.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an confirmed that one of the victims was killed while attempting to stop the attacker inside Taipei Main Station.
Authorities identified the suspect as a 27-year-old man from Taoyuan in northern Taiwan. He was reportedly a former air force volunteer who served near Songshan Airport in a radio communications unit before being discharged in 2022.
Taiwan’s Premier, Cho Jung-tai, said the suspect had a prior criminal record and was wanted for failing to report for military service in 2024. He described the incident as a “deliberate attack,” though the motive remains unclear.
President Lai Ching-te announced heightened security measures nationwide, warning that there would be no tolerance for such acts of violence.
The attack began at Taipei Main Station during the afternoon rush hour, where the suspect allegedly released smoke grenades before moving toward the Zhongshan area, a popular shopping and nightlife district.
Videos shared online showed the man throwing smoke grenades toward crowds and later running into a shopping mall, where he attacked people at random. Other footage captured smoke-filled stations and the evacuation of nearby buildings.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as people fled into shops and restaurants seeking safety. One resident said the situation was frightening, while workers in nearby businesses reported hearing screams and sheltering customers inside.
Violent crime is uncommon in Taiwan, but recent stabbing incidents on public transport have raised public concern. In response, authorities have introduced safety awareness measures on metro trains.
Local media also reported that investigators found a bag containing what appeared to be unused incendiary devices. The smoke grenades used were reportedly replica military equipment legally sold online, though sellers said they were intended for lawful purposes and had not noticed suspicious sales activity.
