TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwanese authorities reported on Saturday that a 27-year-old suspect named Chang Wen orchestrated a series of violent attacks in Taipei, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to 11 others. The assaults included knife attacks and the use of smoke grenades, with the suspect planning these violent actions and committing arson in various locations earlier on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Following the attacks, Chang fell to his death from the fifth floor of a department store in Taipei. This shocking incident has raised alarms in Taiwan, a region where violent crime is relatively uncommon, prompting authorities to enhance security measures in crowded areas and significant events, including the New Year’s Eve celebration which attracts numerous locals and tourists.
Chang Jung-Hsin, the director-general of the National Police Agency, detailed that the suspect initiated his attacks at approximately 3:40 p.m. local time. He began by setting fire to roads and causing damage to vehicles, including cars and motorbikes. The fire was also set at Chang's residence. Moving on, he threw smoke grenades near the exits of the Taipei Main metro station and used a knife to fatally wound an individual there. After leaving the metro station through an underground path, Chang proceeded to the hotel where he was residing. Outside the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store, he used his knife again, killing another person and wounding several others.
In a further escalation, he went to the fourth floor of the department store and fatally wounded another victim before ultimately jumping to his death from the fifth floor. The police reported that the smoke grenades used in the attacks were readily available for purchase online, and investigators found that Chang had scouted the locations prior to carrying out his plan.
According to Chang, the suspect was methodical in executing his premeditated attack, and the initial inquiry revealed no indication that he had accomplices. Authorities are actively investigating the motive behind these violent acts. It was noted that Chang had voluntarily served in the military but was discharged for a drunk driving offense. Furthermore, he had been wanted since July for failing to report to military service.
Chang's family has reported that they had lost contact with him for over two years. They indicated that he had a longstanding interest in guns and weapons since childhood, which may provide insight into his troubling behavior.
Of the 11 injured individuals, six remained hospitalized, with two in intensive care, although their conditions were reported to be stable following surgical interventions. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te responded to the crisis by demanding a comprehensive investigation into the attacks, urging officials to explore the suspect's background, motives, financial situation, and any potential assistance he may have received from others.
The authorities continue to examine this tragic event, which has left a profound impact on the community and raised questions regarding public safety in Taiwan.
