Taiwanese authorities have confirmed that Friday’s violent stabbing incident at Taipei’s metro system, which resulted in three fatalities and eleven injuries, was not motivated by terrorism. The attack commenced when 27-year-old Chang, identified only by his surname, detonated smoke bombs within Taipei Main Station before embarking on a three-hour stabbing rampage that extended to the Zhongshan shopping district.
According to an anonymous senior official from the Taipei City Police Department, comprehensive investigation revealed no evidence of political, religious, or ideological motivations behind Chang’s actions. ‘Terrorist attacks have specific defining characteristics that the suspect’s behavior does not satisfy,’ the official stated, emphasizing the preliminary exclusion of terrorism as a motive.
Police investigation uncovered disturbing evidence on Chang’s personal device, including searches related to ‘random killings’ and historical metro attack methodologies. The suspect, who had been discharged from military service due to alcohol-related offenses, was additionally wanted for failing to report for mandatory reserve training—a legal requirement in Taiwan that carries serious consequences for non-compliance.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an confirmed that Chang was found deceased after apparently jumping from a nearby building on the day of the attack. In response to the tragedy, city officials have implemented enhanced security measures, including doubled police presence for the Taipei Marathon and planned high-intensity drills at metro facilities ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations.
President Lai Ching-te has called for improved emergency protocols and counter-terrorism preparedness within law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, Metro Taipei authorities have temporarily closed a Christmas market near Zhongshan station for three days as a memorial gesture to the victims.