Taipei knife-and-smoke attack leaves 3 dead, 11 injured; suspect dies by jumping from department store

TAIPEI, Taiwan — A knife-and-smoke-grenade attack in Taipei killed three people and injured 11 others Friday, authorities said. The suspect, a 27-year-old man identified by officials as Chang Wen, died after leaping from a department store building following the assault. Police said the attack began at about 3:40 p.m. local time and included arson at multiple sites, including roads and vehicles, and even the residence where he lived.

Investigators said the assault unfolded in a sequence of rapid incidents across central Taipei. The suspect first set fires along roads, causing damage to cars and motorbikes and to the building where he resided. He then deployed smoke grenades near two exits of the Taipei Main Station and used a knife to fatally wound a person at that location. After the initial attacks, the suspect traveled by an underground path back to the hotel where he was staying, then returned to the streets, tossing more smoke grenades and killing another person outside the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store. He fatally wounded a fourth person on the store’s fourth floor before he jumped from the fifth floor to his death.

The smoke grenades used in the attack could be purchased online, authorities said, and investigators added that the suspect had visited the sites before the assault. Chang Jung-Hsin, director-general of Taiwan’s National Police Agency, said the suspect acted alone and that no evidence had emerged of a broader conspiracy. “The suspect planned an indiscriminate attack. He acted according to his plan,” Chang said, adding the initial inquiry had found no other participants involved in the attacks.

Authorities continued to probe the suspect’s background, finances and potential sources of support. Chang Wen had reportedly completed military service but was fired for drunk driving and was wanted since July for failing to report for service. Officials also noted that the family had not heard from him for more than two years and that he had been interested in guns and weapons from a young age.

Six people remained hospitalized in stable condition after surgeries, with two in intensive care units, officials said. President Lai Ching-te, after receiving briefings, ordered a thorough national investigation into the incident to determine the suspect’s motives, financial resources and whether he received any outside help.

The attack shocks Taiwan, where violent crime is rare, and comes as authorities step up security at crowded spots and large events, including Taipei’s New Year’s Eve countdown. Police and security agencies said they would review and reinforce safety measures at major transit hubs, shopping areas and public gatherings as part of the ongoing investigation.

World news desks will monitor updates as authorities continue examining the suspect’s movements, online activity and possible connections, while outlining how the security response will adapt in the lead-up to major year-end events.