Three people were killed in stabbing and smoke grenade attacks at two metro stations in Taipei today Friday, and five were injured. The suspect was also killed, amidst the rarity of violent crimes in Taiwan.
Taiwanese Prime Minister Zhu Jong Tai said that three people were killed and five injured in an attack carried out by a man with a knife in central Taipei today, Friday, before he met his death during a police chase after he fell from a building.
He added that the man launched smoke bombs at the main train station in Taipei then ran to a nearby subway station in a busy shopping area and attacked people en route.
Zhu told reporters that the suspected attacker had a criminal record and outstanding arrest warrants and his home had been searched previously.
He continued, "We will investigate his background and connections to understand his motives and determine if there were other factors associated with the incident," known only by his last name, Chang.
He indicated that the attacker probably carried flammable materials, such as gasoline bombs which burned at the scene along with smoke bombs, and he was wearing what appeared to be body armor and a mask.
In turn, the city's mayor Chiang Wan An said that the suspect apparently jumped from a building, and one of the victims was killed while trying to stop the attack at the main station.
He added to reporters, "We learned that the suspect committed suicide by jumping from a building while fleeing from arrest, and his death has been confirmed."
The authorities announced heightened security measures across the island following the attacks.
Violent crimes are rare in Taiwan, although an attack in 2014 shook the island, when a man stabbed four people in Taipei metro, leading to their deaths. He was executed in 2016 after being convicted of the crime.
At least 2 people killed, 6 others injured after stabbing and smoke grenade attacks in central Taipei, Taiwan; suspect also deceased. - TVBS pic.twitter.com/ldHKozNjUC
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) December 19, 2025
