Man threw a smoke grenade in Taipei Main Station & carried out knife attack near subway station
Warning: Some readers may find the images and descriptions in this article graphic and triggering. Discretion is advised.
Four people have died after a man went on a violent rampage in central Taipei on Friday (19 Dec), setting off a smoke grenade and attacking people with a knife.
The suspect, who is in his 20s, was later found severely injured at the foot of a building, reported Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA).
Source: Facebook
Taipei Main Station filled with smoke
A video posted on Threads on Friday evening showed Taipei Main Station filled with thick smoke.
Source: bluewhale199173 on Threads
A man wearing all-black clothes and a black cap could be seen setting off smoke grenades.
Source: bluewhale199173 on Threads
The witness, who described the situation as “very scary”, said that the man subsequently ran to the Zhongshan area.
Man randomly attacks people with knife on the street
Another video circulating on Facebook showed a similar black-clad man crouched in the middle of a zebra crossing in the crowded Zhongshan area.
He held a long knife in his right hand and threw items from his bag.
Source: Facebook
He then walked nonchalantly across the intersection, still wielding the knife.
Source: Facebook
When he reached the entrance of the Eslite Spectrum store, he started swinging the knife seemingly randomly at passersby.
Source: Facebook
The man recording the video could be heard shouting, “Call the police!”.
27-year-old suspect fell from 6th floor after Taipei knife attack
Taiwan’s CNA identified the suspect as a 27-year-old man named Zhang Wen.
It quoted the police as saying that after he set off smoke grenades in Taipei Main Station, he ran back to a hotel in Zhongshan to pick up the weapon.
He then started attacking people indiscriminately outside Zhongshan subway station, before entering the Eslite store.
After receiving a report, officers rushed to the store, only for Zhang to fall from the sixth floor.
He was sent to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Four people have reportedly died from this incident, including Zhang. Six others were injured.
Heightened security measures implemented: President
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said in a Facebook post that heightened security measures had been implemented in the wake of the incident, and promised that the government would do its best to ensure public safety.
Source: Lai Ching-te on Facebook
A “thorough investigation” will be conducted into the attack in accordance with the law, aiming to swiftly clarify the facts behind the attacks.
He advised the public to remain calm and follow the instructions of the authorities in crowded areas and train stations.
They should also report to the police or station staff immediately if they see suspicious people, items or abnormal situations.
No Singaporeans affected in Taipei attack
In a statement released on 20 Dec, the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei extended its condolences to families of the deceased.
It further reported that no Singaporeans have been affected in the recent knife attacks.
Singaporeans in Taiwan are urged to exercise vigilance and monitor local developments via local news.
They should also heed the instructions of local authorities.
Singaporeans who require assistance can contact the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei, or the 24-hour MFA Duty Office.
Singapore Trade Office in Taipei
Address: 9th Floor, No. 85. Jen Ai Road, Section 4, Taipei 106, Taiwan
Tel: +886 2 2772 1940
Emergency Tel: +886 953 532 638
Email: singtr_tpe@mfa.sg
MFA Duty Office
Tel: +65 6379 8800/8855 (24-hour hotline)
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg
Also read: Woman in M’sia commits knife attack in shopping mall after getting into car accident
Woman in M’sia commits knife attack in shopping mall after getting into car accident
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Featured image adapted from Facebook.
