Taipei Attacker Acted Alone in Deadly Smoke Bomb and Knife Rampage

Taiwan police confirmed on Saturday that the suspect behind a rare and violent attack in the capital city acted alone.

The incident, involving smoke grenades and a knife, left four people dead—including the attacker—and 11 others injured. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Chang Wen, died after falling from a building during a police chase in a busy shopping district on Friday evening.

Authorities revealed that Chang Wen was already wanted for evading compulsory military service. The rampage began at Taipei's main train station and continued into a nearby subway mall.

President Lai Ching-te visited the victims in the hospital, pledging to bolster rapid-response units. In response to the tragedy, security has been heightened citywide, with increased police patrols in commercial districts to restore public confidence in one of Asia’s safest regions.