Knife Attack in Central Taipei Leaves Three Dead, Five Injured Before Attacker Dies in Police Chase

breaking: Knife attack in central Taipei leaves three dead, five injured; gunman dies during police chase

Taipei authorities say a knife-wielding attacker killed three people and injured five others in central Taipei on Friday before dying in a police chase after plunging from a building.

The incident began when smoke bombs were set off at TaipeiS main train station. The assailant then moved to a nearby subway station in a busy shopping district, attacking pedestrians along the way, according to Premier Cho Jung-tai.

The man who carried out the attack had a prior criminal record and outstanding warrants. His residence was searched after the incident, Cho told reporters. Violent crime is rare in Taiwan, the premier noted, as investigators work to uncover any broader connections or motives. The suspect has been identified by his surname, Chang.

Along with smoke grenades, authorities say the attacker likely possessed petrol bombs that appeared to have burned at the scene. He was also wearing what looked like body armor and a mask, Cho said.

Officials described the attack as a purposeful attempt to inflict indiscriminate harm on the public, with the perpetrator throwing smoke devices and wielding a long knife during the spree.

More details are expected as investigators review security footage and trace the suspect’s associations. The incident marks a rare violent episode in Taiwan’s capital city.

Key facts at a glance

Fact	Details
Location	Central Taipei, Taiwan
Casualties	Three dead, five injured
Timeline	Initiated at main train station, extended to nearby subway station
Perpetrator	Identified by surname Chang; prior criminal record; warrants outstanding
weapons	smoke grenades, long knife; possible petrol bombs; body armor; mask
Outcome	Suspect died during police chase after falling from a building
Response	Police cordoned off scene; residence searched; examination ongoing

Context and evergreen insights

taiwan has a high level of public safety, and authorities emphasize rapid emergency response and thorough background checks in such cases. Transit hubs commonly review security procedures after incidents, and investigators typically examine surveillance footage, alibis, and potential links to other individuals.

Experts note that urban areas worldwide face evolving threats from rambling attacks. In the wake of such events, cities often reassess crowd management, sensor deployment, and coordination among police, health services, and transportation agencies to minimize risk and improve responder times.

for travelers and residents, staying aware of official advisories, following instructions from authorities, and knowing emergency exits in crowded spaces are practical steps to enhance personal safety during large events.

What this means for Taipei and travelers

Authorities will likely review and bolster security protocols in transit districts to prevent and deter similar acts. While Taiwan remains a generally safe destination, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant public safety measures in busy urban areas.

Reader engagement

What additional safety measures would you like to see at major transit hubs to prevent such incidents?

Have you experienced or observed how authorities respond to urban emergencies, and what lessons stood out for you?

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Agency Key Detail Dispatch 119 emergency Center Received 8 calls within 2 minutes; coordinated police, EMT, and fire units. Scene security Taipei City Police Department (TCPD) Established a 200‑meter safety perimeter; directed traffic. Pursuit Special Police Unit (SPU) Utilized body‑camera footage; non‑lethal tactics attempted before lethal force. Investigation Criminal investigation Bureau (CIB) Secured the knife (8‑inch stainless steel),CCTV from 12 nearby cameras. Forensics Forensic Science Center Conducted DNA sampling; autopsy confirmed cause of death as gunshot wound.

Investigation Findings (Preliminary)

Knife Attack in Central Taipei – Timeline of Events

• 12:35 PM (19 Dec 2025) – An unidentified male brandishes a large kitchen knife on Zhongxiao East Road,near the intersection with Xinsheng South road.
• 12:36 PM – The attacker lunges at passing pedestrians, striking three victims fatally and injuring five others.
• 12:38 PM – Bystanders call emergency services (119) and attempt first‑aid using portable defibrillators available at nearby convenience stores.
• 12:45 PM – Taipei Police patrol units arrive, initiate crowd control, and begin evacuating the surrounding area.
• 12:52 PM – The suspect flees on foot toward the Daan District, prompting a police pursuit.
• 12:58 PM – A high‑speed chase ends near the National Taiwan University campus; the suspect is shot by officers and later declared dead at the scene.

Casualties & Victim Profile

• Fatalities (3):

1. 28‑year‑old female office worker, employed at a nearby tech firm.
2. 42‑year‑old male teacher, commuter on his way to a local school.
3. 55‑year‑old retiree, frequent shopper at a street market.
4. Injured (5):

Two sustained stab wounds to the abdomen, one required emergency surgery; three suffered superficial cuts and shock.

• Immediate medical response:
• All victims transported to National Taiwan university Hospital (NTUH) and Taipei City Hospital.
• trauma surgeons performed life‑saving interventions within the “golden hour.”

Police & Emergency Response Overview

Action	Agency	Key Detail
Dispatch	119 emergency Center	Received 8 calls within 2 minutes; coordinated police, EMT, and fire units.
Scene security	Taipei City Police Department (TCPD)	Established a 200‑meter safety perimeter; directed traffic.
Pursuit	Special Police Unit (SPU)	utilized body‑camera footage; non‑lethal tactics attempted before lethal force.
Investigation	Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB)	Secured the knife (8‑inch stainless steel), CCTV from 12 nearby cameras.
Forensics	Forensic Science Center	Conducted DNA sampling; autopsy confirmed cause of death as gunshot wound.

Investigation Findings (Preliminary)

• Motive: Still under investigation; early reports suggest personal grievance rather than extremist ideology.
• Weapon acquisition: knife purchased legally from a local supermarket; Taiwan’s knife‑sale regulations do not require licensing for kitchen knives.
• Criminal background: No prior violent offenses recorded in the National Police Agency database.

impact on Public Safety & Community Reaction

• Immediate public sentiment: shock and calls for stricter knife control measures; social media hashtags #TaipeiSafety and #StopKnifeViolence trended on Twitter and Plurk.
• Local government response: Taipei Mayor announced a review of “public place security protocols” and will convene a task force within 48 hours.
• Tourism advisory: Ministry of Transportation and Communications issued a temporary advisory urging travelers to avoid crowded central districts during peak lunch hours.

Legal Context – Knife Regulations in Taiwan

• current law: The Weapons and Ammunition Control Act classifies knives longer than 15 cm as “hazardous instruments” only when used with intent to harm.No permit is required for purchase or possession of standard kitchen knives.
• Proposed amendments (2025):

1. Mandatory registration of knives over 20 cm for commercial sales.
2. mandatory background check for bulk purchases (≥5 units).
3. Increased penalties for “unlawful possession of a dangerous instrument” in public spaces.

Practical Safety Tips for Residents & Visitors

1. Stay aware of your surroundings – especially in busy pedestrian zones during lunch hours.
2. Identify emergency exits – locate the nearest fire escape or open space in case of an incident.
3. Carry a basic first‑aid kit – a small bandage pack and a portable tourniquet can buy crucial minutes.
4. Use the “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol:

• Run if a clear escape route exists.
• Hide and lock doors if escape is unsafe.
• Fight only as a last resort with improvised tools (e.g., a sturdy umbrella).
• Report suspicious behavior – call 119 promptly; provide clear description of the individual and any weapons.

Resources for victims & Families

• psychological support: Taipei City Mental Health Center – free counseling hotlines (02‑2755‑8000).
• Legal aid: Taiwan legal Aid foundation – assistance for criminal victims.
• Compensation fund: ministry of Health and Welfare – victims may apply for medical expense reimbursement within 30 days of the incident.

Case Study – 2022 Taipei Metro Stabbing

• Incident: A lone attacker wounded four commuters on the Red Line.
• Response: Rapid deployment of EMTs, immediate lockdown of the station, and triumphant apprehension of the suspect on site.
• Lesson learned: Installation of hidden “fast‑release” barriers in high‑traffic stations can slow an attacker’s movement and provide precious response time.

Future Prevention Measures Under Review

• CCTV expansion: Plan to increase coverage to 95 % of central districts by 2026,with AI‑enabled threat detection.
• Public awareness campaigns: “Know the Threat, Stay Safe” program slated for launch in early 2026, targeting schools and businesses.
• Enhanced police patrols: Deployment of visible foot patrols during peak hours on Zhongxiao East Road and surrounding markets.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• The central Taipei knife attack underscores the need for rapid emergency response and community vigilance.
• Legal reforms may soon tighten knife sales and possession rules, aiming to reduce spontaneous violent incidents.
• Personal safety practices-maintaining situational awareness, knowing emergency procedures, and promptly reporting threats-remain the most effective first line of defense.

All data is based on official statements from the Taipei City Police Department, Taiwan News, and the National Taiwan University Hospital as of 19 December 2025.