A rare and deeply unsettling act of violence struck central Taipei on Friday night, when a lone attacker launched a sudden assault on civilians near a busy transport hub, killing at least three people and injuring five others. Authorities later confirmed that the suspect died during a police pursuit after falling from a building, bringing a chaotic and terrifying episode to an end.
The attack unfolded near a train station in the heart of the city, an area usually crowded with commuters and pedestrians. Witness footage circulating online shows the suspect dressed entirely in black, wearing a cap and carrying a bag, walking calmly across a zebra crossing moments before the violence erupted. The deliberate manner of his approach has added to public shock.
According to officials, the man entered a crowded area outside the station and began stabbing people indiscriminately. Panic followed almost immediately, with commuters fleeing the station and screams echoing through the street. In addition to the knife attack, the suspect is believed to have thrown incendiary devices, with investigators later identifying burned remnants consistent with petrol bombs at the scene.
❗️⚠️🇹🇼 – A 27-year-old Taiwanese man identified by authorities as Chang carried out an attack in central Taipei. The incident began around 5 p.m. when he threw multiple smoke grenades near exits at Taipei Main Station, causing panic and initial injuries from smoke inhalation and… pic.twitter.com/3iy51kUFXE— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) December 19, 2025
Taiwanese police launched an immediate manhunt as the suspect fled. The pursuit ended when the attacker fell from a building, suffering fatal injuries. Authorities have not indicated whether the fall was accidental or an attempt to evade capture, but confirmed that no officers discharged firearms during the operation.
Police spokesperson Cho revealed that the suspect had a prior criminal history and was the subject of outstanding warrants at the time of the attack. His residence has since been searched as part of the ongoing investigation. Officers also confirmed that the man appeared to be wearing protective body armour and a mask, raising concerns that the assault may have been premeditated.
Investigators believe the suspect carried multiple dangerous items, including smoke-producing devices and makeshift incendiaries, suggesting intent to cause both physical harm and mass panic. Authorities are continuing forensic examinations to determine exactly how the weapons were assembled and whether the suspect acted entirely alone.
Violent crimes of this nature are extremely uncommon in Taiwan, a country widely regarded as one of the safest in the region. The attack has therefore sent shockwaves through the public, prompting questions about security around major transport centres and how individuals with criminal records and outstanding warrants were able to move freely.
Government officials have urged calm, stressing that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Increased police presence was deployed overnight in parts of Taipei as a precautionary measure, while grief counsellors and support services were made available to victims and witnesses.
As authorities work to piece together the motive behind the attack, the incident stands as a stark reminder that even societies with low crime rates are not immune to sudden acts of violence, and that vigilance remains critical in public spaces.
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