A violent rampage in central Taipei on Friday evening resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries, culminating in the apparent suicide of the assailant. The incident, which sent shockwaves through the Taiwanese capital, began at approximately 5:30 PM local time near Taipei Main Station.
According to law enforcement authorities and eyewitness accounts, an individual equipped with a gas mask initiated the attack by detonating smoke grenades at a key station exit. The deliberate creation of chaos and panic led to immediate casualties, with emergency services transporting two critically injured individuals to nearby medical facilities. Hospital officials later confirmed one victim, identified as a 57-year-old male, succumbed to his injuries. A second victim, aged 54, remains hospitalized under medical supervision.
The perpetrator subsequently fled the initial crime scene, moving toward the Zhongshan MRT Station area where he continued his violent spree. Witnesses reported the assailant deployed additional smoke devices while indiscriminately attacking bystanders with a bladed weapon. This secondary assault resulted in seven additional casualties with varying degrees of injuries.
The sequence of events reached its grim conclusion when the suspect entered an adjacent commercial complex. Security camera footage indicates the individual proceeded to ascend multiple levels before deliberately jumping from a height equivalent to six stories. Medical personnel pronounced the suspect dead at the scene despite attempted resuscitation efforts.
Taipei Police Department has established a specialized task force to investigate the comprehensive circumstances surrounding the attack. Investigators are meticulously examining surveillance recordings, forensic evidence, and witness statements to establish the precise timeline of events. Additional investigative priorities include determining the origin of the explosive devices, reconstructing the suspect’s complete movement pattern, and identifying any potential specific targets or motivations behind the assault. Security personnel have maintained a perimeter around both crime scenes as the investigation continues to develop.