Taiwanese authorities are investigating a deadly series of coordinated attacks in central Taipei that left three people dead and at least 11 others injured, after a lone suspect carried out multiple assaults using a knife and smoke devices before falling to his death from a commercial building.
Police confirmed that the suspect, a 27-year-old man, began his rampage on Friday afternoon by setting several small fires on public roads, damaging parked vehicles and motorcycles. Officials said he also ignited a fire inside his own residence earlier that day, indicating advance planning.
The violence escalated at Taipei Main Station, one of the city’s busiest transportation hubs. According to law enforcement officials, the attacker released smoke canisters near station exits, causing panic among commuters, before fatally stabbing a bystander who attempted to intervene. Surveillance footage later reviewed by investigators showed the suspect dressed in dark clothing and wearing protective gear as he moved through the area.
After leaving the station, the suspect traveled through underground passages to a nearby hotel where he had been staying. Authorities believe he retrieved additional weapons from the room before resurfacing near the Zhongshan district, a popular shopping and entertainment area.
The final and deadliest phase of the attack unfolded at a well-known department store, where the suspect again deployed smoke devices and attacked multiple people both outside and inside the building. Two victims were killed at the location, including one inside the store on an upper floor. Emergency responders rushed several injured individuals to nearby hospitals as shoppers fled the scene.
Police said the suspect later jumped from an upper-floor restroom inside the building. He was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a hospital. City officials indicated the jump appeared to be an attempt to evade arrest as officers were closing in.
Health authorities reported that while most of the injured victims were treated and released, several remained hospitalized, including two in critical condition. Injuries ranged from stab wounds to respiratory distress caused by smoke inhalation. A transit employee was also hospitalized after being exposed to heavy smoke while assisting with evacuations.
Investigators later recovered weapons from both the suspect’s rented apartment and hotel room. Officials stated there is currently no evidence of accomplices, and a motive has not yet been established. Additional background checks revealed the suspect had unresolved legal issues related to mandatory military service obligations.
The incident has deeply unsettled the public in Taiwan, where such acts of mass violence are uncommon. In response, authorities have increased security patrols in crowded areas and announced heightened safety measures ahead of upcoming year-end public events.
Officials urged the public to remain calm and vigilant while the investigation continues.
