Taiwan Attack: 4 Dead, 11 Injured in Taipei Knife & Smoke Bomb Rampage

20대男, 연막탄 투척 후 연쇄 범행…범인 포함 4명 사망·11명 부상

범행 전 방화도 저질러…백화점 5층서 뛰어내려 숨져

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A series of attacks in Taipei, Taiwan, on December 19th, culminated in four deaths, including the perpetrator, and left eleven others injured, authorities reported. The incident, which involved smoke bombs and a stabbing spree, has shocked the island nation and prompted increased security measures.

According to Taiwan’s Interior Ministry, the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Zhang Wen, died by suicide after jumping from the fifth floor of a department store while being pursued by police. The development underscores the growing concern over public safety and security in urban centers.

On December 20th, Zhang Long-xing, head of the Taipei City Police Department, announced that as of 10:30 PM local time on December 19th, four people had died and eleven were injured in the attacks, which unfolded near Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station.

The suspect began his attacks on December 19th at approximately 5:00 PM, initially deploying smoke bombs near the Taipei Central Station’s underground exit. One man, in his 50s, was hospitalized in critical condition due to smoke inhalation and later died. Zhang then moved to the Zhongshan Station area, where he attacked passersby with a knife after detonating more smoke bombs.

He continued the assault inside the EsLite Spectrum Nanshan department store, attacking people on the first and fourth floors before attempting to evade capture.

Prior to the stabbings, Zhang had set fires to two cars and three motorcycles between 3:50 PM and 4:00 PM on December 19th.

Authorities have stated that the attacks were meticulously planned, and there is currently no evidence to suggest a terrorist motive. Investigators are focusing on determining Zhang’s motivations.

Police have found no evidence of accomplices in the case.

Investigators discovered survival game equipment, 17 smoke bombs, 15 gasoline bottles, and a knife at the scene. Searches were conducted at Zhang’s rented apartment in Zhongzheng District, a hotel where he stayed for three days prior to the attacks, and his family home.

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Authorities found materials related to the manufacture of Molotov cocktails at the rented apartment, and lethal weapons were recovered from both the residence and the hotel, according to the Associated Press.

Zhang had previously worked in security but was unemployed at the time of the attacks. He was also wanted for violating the Military Service Act in July of this year.

He had previously served in the military but was discharged in 2022 due to issues with alcohol. He failed to fulfill his remaining mandatory military service obligations, leading to the warrant for his arrest. Initial reports indicated the warrant was related to failing to attend reserve training.

Investigators acknowledge that determining Zhang’s exact motives may be difficult given his death.

According to police, Zhang had scouted the locations of the attacks as early as December 16th and inquired about accessing the rooftop of the department store on December 18th, the day before the attacks.

Family members stated that Zhang had been estranged from them for over two years and had expressed an interest in firearms and weapons since childhood.

In response to the attacks, security has been heightened across Taiwan, particularly in crowded areas and at large events. Security levels have been raised in all public sectors, including railways, roads, subways, and aviation. Police and prosecutors are prioritizing the investigation into Zhang’s motives.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an stated, “We will fully support the subway company and related units,” and expressed condolences to the victims.

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2025/12/20 17:46 송고
2025년12월20일 17시46분 송고