Knife Attacker Kills Three Following Smoke Bomb on Taipei Metro
A knife attacker in Taipei has claimed the lives of three individuals and left five others injured. This tragic event occurred on a Friday evening during the bustling rush hour in Taiwan’s capital.
Details of the Attack
The 27-year-old assailant ignited smoke bombs at Taipei’s main metro station. Following this, he moved towards another station in a shopping district, attacking people along the way. Videos circulating on social media depict the chaos, with bystanders fleeing in panic.
- Location: Taipei Main Station and another nearby subway station
- Date: Friday evening
- Injuries: Five additional people injured
- Attacker’s Fate: The suspect died after falling from a building
Victims and Response
Among the victims was a man who attempted to confront the attacker. He was struck with a blunt object and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. In the aftermath, Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai announced increased security measures at metro and railway stations, as well as airports.
Premier Cho stated, “We will investigate the suspect’s background and connections to determine his motives.” Taiwanese President William Lai echoed this sentiment, vowing a thorough investigation into the incident.
Context of Violence in Taiwan
Such violent attacks are uncommon in Taiwan, known for its low crime rates. The last major incident of this nature occurred in 2014, when a man fatally stabbed four people aboard an underground train in Taipei. That assailant was executed two years later, highlighting the severity of such crimes in the region.
As the investigation continues, authorities aim to uncover the motivations behind this shocking act of violence, which has left a mark on the community.