TAIPEI — A chaotic series of attacks unfolded in central Taipei on Friday when an unidentified assailant launched smoke grenades and wielded a knife at pedestrians, resulting in at least nine injuries before the suspect apparently jumped from a building to evade capture. Authorities confirmed the suspect’s death at a local hospital following the incident.
The violence began at Taipei Main Station, the city’s major transportation hub, where the perpetrator detonated smoke grenades, triggering panic among commuters. Surveillance footage from broadcaster EBC showed the individual subsequently boarding the metro, traveling one stop, and continuing his assault by releasing additional smoke devices on street level.
Armed with a knife, the attacker menaced pedestrians before barricading himself inside a commercial establishment, prompting terrified screams from bystanders. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an confirmed that four victims sustained serious injuries during the ordeal.
Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai provided additional details, noting that one victim experienced cardiac arrest after being knocked to the ground during the attack. Another individual suffered respiratory complications due to smoke inhalation. Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the suspect’s background and motives while implementing heightened security measures across Taiwan’s rail and metro networks.