The perpetrator, a 27-year-old man named Chang Wen, fell to his death from a department store building in Taipei following the attack on Friday.
The violent incidents have left Taiwan in shock, a place where such crimes are uncommon, prompting officials to enhance security measures at busy venues and major events, including the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration that typically draws locals and tourists for an outdoor countdown.
Chang Jung-Hsin, the director-general of the National Police Agency, reported that the assailant commenced a series of assaults at 3:40 p.m. local time, first igniting fires on roads which resulted in damage to vehicles. He also set fire to his residence.
The suspect then deployed smoke grenades near two exits of the Taipei Main metro station and fatally attacked one individual with a knife, according to Chang. Following this, he utilized an underground passage to return to his hotel before launching additional smoke grenades and stabbing another person outside the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store, the official stated.
Furthermore, he fatally injured another victim on the fourth floor of the department store before leaping from the fifth floor to his demise, as reported by Chang.
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The official indicated that the smoke grenades used by the assailant were available for purchase online, and that the suspect had scouted the locations prior to the attacks.
“The suspect executed an indiscriminate attack and followed through on his plans,” Chang noted, adding that initial investigations revealed no signs of accomplices.
Investigations into the motives are ongoing. Chang revealed that the suspect had previously served in the military but was discharged due to a drunk driving incident. He had been wanted since July for failing to report for military duty, he added.
“The suspect has not reached out to his family for over two years,” Chang stated. “They mentioned that he has shown an interest in firearms and weapons since childhood.”
Six individuals remain hospitalized, with two in intensive care units; however, their condition is stable following surgery, according to authorities.
After receiving briefings from officials, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, examining the suspect’s background, motives, financial situation, and any potential assistance from others.
