Taiwan President Lai Ching-te pledged a comprehensive and transparent investigation following a brazen metro attack in Taipei that left three civilians dead and eleven more injured. The assault, carried out by a 27-year-old suspect armed with smoke grenades and a knife, unfolded during Friday’s evening rush hour at the city’s busiest transit hub. As the nation grapples with its first mass stabbing incident since 2014, authorities vow to bolster public safety and enhance rapid response capabilities.
Premeditated Rampage Shakes Taipei Main Station
The violent spree began on December 19, 2025, when Chang Wen, a former airman with a history of military discharge and draft evasion, unleashed chaos around the Taipei Main Station and the nearby Eslite Spectrum Nanxi shopping centre. Surveillance footage and police reports confirm that Chang meticulously planned the attack, which began by setting fires to vehicles and his residence in Taoyuan earlier in the afternoon.
At exactly 5:24 p.m., the suspect detonated a smoke grenade near the M7/M8 exits of Taipei Main Station, immediately proceeding to stab the first victim—a 37-year-old man—resulting in fatal neck injuries. After briefly retreating to a nearby hotel to change clothes and retrieve additional weaponry, Chang escalated the assault, deploying more smoke grenades and attacking civilians both outside and inside the Eslite Spectrum building. His rampage claimed two additional lives—men aged 37 and 57—before he fell from the sixth floor during a police pursuit and was declared dead at Cathay General Hospital.
Casualties and Medical Response
- Three civilians died from stab wounds, with at least two suffering fatal neck injuries.
- Eleven others sustained injuries; six were hospitalized, including two in intensive care but stable after surgical intervention.
The victims were promptly rushed to National Taiwan University Hospital and Cathay General Hospital, where medical teams reported ongoing stabilization efforts. No fatalities occurred among law enforcement personnel or bystanders beyond the victims directly targeted.
Suspect’s Profile: A Troubled Past and Weapon Interests
Investigations revealed that Chang Wen hailed from Yangmei District, Taoyuan, and served in the Republic of China Air Force before his discharge in 2022 due to a driving under the influence (DUI) incident. Police uncovered his prior record, including outstanding warrants pertaining to draft evasion since July of this year. Isolated from family contact for over two years, Chang maintained an apparent fascination with firearms and weapons from a young age.
Authorities confirmed that while the smoke grenades were legally acquired online, the arsenal also included a long knife used during the assault and an arsenal of 25 Molotov cocktails discovered in his hotel room, underscoring the premeditated nature of the attack. A notebook found at the scene is currently being analyzed for potential motives and plans.
Government Response: Transparency and Security Enhancements
Within hours of the tragedy, President Lai Ching-te visited affected hospitals, offering condolences and vowing a “thorough investigation into what unfolded last evening.” The president emphasized accountability, ordering a full public inquiry into Chang’s background, motives, and any possible accomplices, though initial findings suggest he acted alone.
At a briefing, National Police Agency Director-General Chang Jung-Hsin stated, “The suspect planned an indiscriminate attack. He acted according to his plan.” This resolve has set the tone for the government’s approach moving forward, encompassing not only the probe itself but also preventive measures to avert recurrence.
President Lai underscored the urgency of transforming rapid response units into elite counter-terrorism forces, stressing that they must be capable of “immediately suppressing” such attacks at “full speed.” He declared these teams “should no longer be just standard rapid-response teams for public order but must be trained and deployed as counter-terrorism police forces” to safeguard Taiwan’s societal stability.
Echoes of 2014 and The Broader Implications
This incident recalls the 2014 Taipei Metro stabbings, which similarly rattled a city long prized for low crime rates and public safety. The shockwaves have catalyzed calls among security experts for comprehensive counter-terrorism training within law enforcement and emergency responders, recognizing the evolving threat landscape.
Despite occurring in Taiwan, this event resonates with the more than 100,000 Overseas Filipino Workers based in Taipei and greater Taiwan, who face increased concerns about public transport safety—especially during peak hours. Philippine authorities, including the PNP, have yet to issue specific advisories, but vigilance is naturally heightened among Filipinos living or commuting in the area.
Legal Context and Ongoing Investigation
The attack falls squarely under Taiwanese jurisdiction, with no legal or regulatory implications for the Philippines. Authorities continue to scrutinize compliance with Taiwan’s weapons and public safety regulations, particularly concerning the suspect’s procurement of smoke grenades and the apparent ease with which he amassed incendiary devices.
The thorough investigation is set to explore all facets—from military dismissal records and psychological profile to potential networks—ensuring transparency without premature conclusions.
Community and Sector Reactions
The city mourns civilians lost to a brutal act of violence in a space emblematic of movement and connection. While government officials prioritize security reforms, medical professionals remain focused on patient recovery, and police continue piecing together the suspect’s solitary path toward violence.
In a society accustomed to peace and order, the attack serves as a grim reminder that threats can emerge unpredictably—a catalyst for solidarity and heightened preparedness as Taipei seeks to heal and fortify.
