19th December 2025 – (Taipei) A knife attack in central Taipei on the evening of 19 December left at least three people dead and six injured after a 27‑year‑old suspect, identified in local reports as Chang Wen, allegedly hurled smoke bombs near the M7 and M8 exits of Taipei Main Station before moving to Zhongshan MRT Station and forcing his way into the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi store, where he carried out random stabbings. The suspect later fell from height and died; Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan‑an said he is believed to have jumped to evade arrest.
According to Taiwanese media, Chang had begun his crime spree hours earlier. On Friday morning, he allegedly set fire to parked cars and motorcycles in Taipei’s Zhongshan District, then ignited his rented flat in the same area — actions investigators suspect were intended to stretch police resources. A search of his rented residence uncovered tools and materials for making petrol bombs.
Police said the motive remains under investigation. Records indicate Chang previously lived in Taoyuan before moving to Taipei’s Zhongzheng District in January. Two days before the attack, on 17th December, he checked into a hotel in Datong District, where officers later found a knife, 25 petrol bombs, a black cap and a tablet computer.
Earlier reports stated Chang was wanted by the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office in July over alleged evasion of military service obligations. Local outlets also reported he had served as a voluntary airman and was purportedly dismissed from the military in 2022 following a drink‑driving incident. He subsequently worked as a security guard. Authorities noted that changes of residence that were not properly reported meant a 2024 end‑year reserve training notice could not be delivered, leading to his being listed as wanted for offences relating to military service.
Mayor Chiang said police and fire services responded immediately and have been instructed to clarify the sequence of events as quickly as possible. Premier Cho Jung‑tai ordered an overnight investigation into the suspect’s motives and any possible accomplices. Metro Taipei raised its alert level with enhanced patrols, while the affected shopping mall was evacuated and closed pending inquiries.
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