Taiwanese authorities confirmed on Saturday that the man responsible for a deadly attack in central Taipei acted alone, following an incident that left four people dead, including the attacker. Police identified the suspect as 27-year-old Chang Wen from Taoyuan, who died after falling from a building during a police chase on Friday evening.
National Police Agency Director-General Chang Jung-hsin told reporters that investigators had found no evidence of any accomplices. “Based on verification work carried out continuously since yesterday, we have not found that the suspect had any other accomplices,” he said, adding that the motive for the attack remains under investigation.
Attack in Busy Taipei District
According to police, Chang began his assault by setting off smoke bombs at Taipei’s main train station before moving to a nearby shopping mall connected to the subway. He attacked several people both enroute and inside the mall, causing widespread panic in one of the city’s busiest commercial areas.
The Health Ministry reported that eleven people were injured, with two remaining in intensive care. The incident marks one of the rare instances of violent crime in Taiwan, a country known for its low crime rates and high public safety standards.
Premier Cho Jung-tai later revealed that Chang had been wanted under an arrest warrant for allegedly evading Taiwan’s compulsory military service.
Heightened Security Across Taiwan
In the aftermath of the attack, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an announced tighter security measures across the capital. “For areas in Taipei city where crowds are expected to gather in various commercial districts, we are upgrading security measures citywide,” Chiang said. “This includes not only increasing the police presence but also ensuring that all officers are fully equipped with the necessary gear.”
Authorities have deployed additional officers to major transport hubs, shopping districts and public spaces to reassure residents and prevent further incidents.
Government Vows Swift Response Improvements
President Lai Ching-te, who visited some of the injured victims in hospital on Saturday morning, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged to strengthen emergency response systems.
“We will also ensure that rapid-response units can be mobilised immediately when emergencies occur, so as to safeguard public safety,” Lai wrote on Facebook. He said the government would study the incident carefully to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The attack has shocked Taiwan, where such random acts of violence are exceedingly uncommon. Officials have urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue into what prompted the suspect’s violent rampage.
with inputs from Reuters
