Taiwan’s Subway Stabber Planned His Deadly Spree, Police Say

Taipei, Taiwan — Taiwanese authorities have concluded that a mass stabbing and smoke‑bomb attack in central Taipei last week was carefully planned, rather than spontaneous, police said as the investigation continues into one of the city’s deadliest violent incidents in recent years.

The assault occurred on the evening of December 19, 2025, during the city’s evening rush hour. A 27‑year‑old man, identified by authorities by the surname Chang Wen, set off smoke devices and then repeatedly stabbed pedestrians near Taipei Main Station and in a nearby retail district. At least three people were killed, and more than ten were wounded. Chang later died after falling from a building while trying to evade arrest.

Planned Sequence of Events

Police said the suspect prepared for the attack in advance. Earlier in the afternoon, he reportedly set fires to vehicles and his rented apartment. In the early evening, he wore protective gear, including a gas mask and vest, and carried smoke bombs to the busy underground passage of Taipei Main Station. After discharging the devices, he left the immediate area, retrieved a knife and additional devices from a nearby hotel, and proceeded to a department store near Zhongshan Station, where he attacked multiple pedestrians.

Investigators found evidence that the suspect purchased smoke devices online and had scouted locations ahead of time. While authorities describe the attack as deliberate, a clear motive has not yet been established.

Scope of the Incident

The violence occurred in two main phases. After the initial smoke disruption at the metro station, the assailant moved on foot to the department store, stabbing several individuals, primarily in the neck, before fleeing to a nearby rooftop. He fell from the rooftop and later died. Among the fatalities was a 57‑year-old man who tried to intervene. Several victims were hospitalized, including some in serious condition.

Taiwan is widely regarded as one of East Asia’s safer jurisdictions, making incidents of this scale particularly rare. The last major subway stabbing occurred in 2014, resulting in four deaths and numerous injuries.

Government and Law Enforcement Response

Following the attack, Taipei officials pledged a thorough review of public safety measures. Security has been increased at transportation hubs and other crowded urban areas. Authorities are evaluating emergency response protocols to improve preparedness for future incidents.

President Lai Ching‑te called for a comprehensive investigation into the suspect’s background, emphasizing the importance of understanding how and why the attack occurred to prevent similar events. Police are reviewing the suspect’s personal history, including a previous military discharge and outstanding legal obligations. Family members reported that they had not been in contact with him for several years.

Measured Perspective

The attack has prompted careful discussion about public safety in dense urban environments. Authorities stress that maintaining public confidence depends on both effective emergency response and thorough investigation. While the motive remains unclear, police have indicated that the suspect’s actions were intended to cause maximum disruption and confusion across multiple sites.

The tragedy underscores the importance of vigilance in public spaces and the need for coordinated safety measures in urban areas, reinforcing the balance between protecting citizens and upholding due process.