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In the wake of a deadly knife and smoke-grenade attack that left three people dead and eleven injured, Taiwanese authorities revealed Saturday that the suspect had meticulously planned the series of assaults that shocked the normally peaceful island nation.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Chang Wen, died after jumping from a department store building in Taipei following the Friday attack. According to officials, Chang’s rampage began around 3:40 p.m. local time when he set fires on roads, damaging several cars and motorbikes, including at his residence.
Chang Jung-Hsin, director-general of Taiwan’s National Police Agency, detailed the sequence of events during a press briefing. After the initial arson incidents, the suspect deployed smoke grenades near two exits of the Taipei Main metro station before fatally stabbing his first victim. He then retreated to his hotel via an underground passage.
The attack continued when Chang threw more smoke grenades and fatally wounded another person outside the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store. The third victim was stabbed on the fourth floor of the same building before the attacker jumped to his death from the fifth floor.
“The suspect planned an indiscriminate attack. He acted according to his plan,” the police director-general stated, noting that preliminary investigations showed no accomplices were involved. Authorities confirmed that the smoke grenades used in the attack were commercially available online and that Chang had conducted reconnaissance at the attack sites beforehand.
The violent spree has sent shockwaves through Taiwan, where such incidents are exceedingly rare. In response, authorities have heightened security measures at crowded locations and major events, including the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration that typically attracts large crowds of both locals and tourists to outdoor countdown events.
Officials are still investigating the suspect’s motives. The police director-general revealed that Chang had previously served in the military voluntarily but was dismissed for drunk driving. Since July, he had been wanted by authorities after failing to report for military service.
“The suspect hasn’t contacted his family for more than two years,” Chang Jung-Hsin added. “They said the suspect has been interested in guns and weapons since he was young.”
The attack has left six people still hospitalized, with two in intensive care units. Medical officials report that these critical patients are in stable condition following surgical interventions.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has called for an exhaustive investigation into the incident. The president specifically requested that authorities examine the suspect’s background, possible motives, financial resources, and whether he received assistance from others.
The attack comes at a time when Taiwan has enjoyed a reputation for public safety, with violent crime statistics consistently among the lowest in East Asia. The incident has prompted discussions about security vulnerabilities in public spaces and raised questions about mental health support systems in the country.
Local media reports indicate that many Taipei residents are expressing anxiety about public safety following the attack, with some businesses in the affected areas reporting decreased foot traffic in the immediate aftermath. City officials have announced temporary increases in police patrols around transportation hubs and shopping districts to reassure the public.
The Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store, a popular retail destination for both locals and tourists, has temporarily closed sections of the building where the attacks occurred while maintaining operations in other areas, according to company statements.
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8 Comments
While the specifics of this case are still unfolding, acts of targeted violence like this erode public trust and safety. Authorities must work swiftly to understand the motivations and prevent copycat incidents.
This attack seems to have been carefully planned, which is all the more disturbing. What security measures could have been taken to identify and stop the assailant before the violence unfolded?
That’s a good question. Improving real-time threat monitoring, information sharing, and rapid response capabilities may help address such premeditated attacks.
The details of the attacker’s planning and actions are chilling. How can we better identify and support individuals at risk of committing such heinous acts before it’s too late?
That’s a crucial question. Improving mental health resources, community-based interventions, and threat assessment capabilities may be part of the solution.
This is a tragic and disturbing incident. My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. It’s important that authorities thoroughly investigate the motive and circumstances to prevent such attacks in the future.
I agree, this is a terrible tragedy. Securing public spaces and addressing underlying issues that drive such violence must be the top priorities now.
This is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the need for vigilance. My condolences to the families and communities impacted by this senseless loss of life.