On the evening of December 19, 2025, chaos erupted in Taipei, Taiwan, when a man armed with a knife and a smoke grenade launched a violent attack on unsuspecting crowds. The incident took place near the Taipei Main subway station and in a popular shopping district, resulting in at least three fatalities and nine injuries, as reported by the national news agency and city officials.

The assailant, identified as 27-year-old Chang Wen, initiated the attack by throwing a smoke grenade at an underground exit of the subway station, causing panic among pedestrians who fled in all directions. Reports indicate that Chang then proceeded to the Eslite department store, where he indiscriminately attacked individuals on both the first and fourth floors, primarily targeting victims in the neck with his knife.

Local hospitals confirmed three deaths linked to the attacks, while the city government reported that nine others were hospitalized. Among the injured, one individual faced serious health complications, having suffered cardiac arrest at the scene before being taken to the hospital. Additionally, another individual experienced respiratory injuries due to the smoke grenade.

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai provided further details on the incident, noting that the attacks caused significant distress among the victims and the public. The rapid response from law enforcement and medical teams was crucial given the urgency of the situation.

In the aftermath of the attacks, Chang Wen fled the scene and ultimately jumped from the sixth floor of the department store. He was declared dead upon arrival at a local hospital. This tragic turn of events raised questions regarding his mental state and motivations, as well as his past behavior.

Reports revealed that Chang had been wanted for failing to report for his reserve military training, scheduled for November 2024, which was related to violations of Taiwan’s mandatory military service laws. Allegedly, he had not updated his household registration, leading to the nondelivery of his military service summons, according to the district prosecutors' office.

The horrifying events of that evening have left many residents of Taipei in shock, as they grapple with the violence that erupted in a place typically known for its safety and vibrancy. Community leaders and citizens alike have been calling for a thorough investigation and increased measures to ensure public safety in the wake of this attack.