This past week to the day a shocking knife attack in Taipei’s Metro system has left three dead and at least five seriously injured. On Thursday, unrest flared at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station. 29-year-old Chang Wen, a masked assailant, perpetrated the attack. What could have caused this violent eruption is still a puzzle. Its effects have echoed across the whole of Taiwan, a country where violent crime is generally unheard of.
Witnesses reported that Chang Wen escalated the chaos by throwing “five or six gasoline bombs or smoke grenades” during the assault. This terrifying tactic only muddied the waters in how chaotic the scene was once emergency services were pushing to save the victims.
Details of the Attack
The violent attack played out in four places, but the largest death toll was at Taipei Main Station, where the most people were attacked. Eyewitness accounts told the story of confusion and terror as folks tried to escape Chang Wen’s rampage. At least three of them suffered cardiac arrest due to the intense stress and trauma of the attacks. At the same time, multiple others sustained wounds from knives and blunt force trauma to various parts of their anatomy.
Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai expressed sharp criticism of the act, describing it as a “deliberate act.” He called for an immediate and robust investigation into the failure that led to the attack.
“Five or six gasoline bombs or smoke grenades,” – Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai
To alleviate public concerns, President Lai Ching-te pledged that officials would quickly communicate the specifics of the incident. He reiterated that they were going to be “hard core” in holding them accountable if public safety was at risk.
Suspect’s Fate
In a sad end to the story, Chang Wen committed suicide by jumping from a skyscraper to avoid capture. Sadly, he did not survive the 51-foot fall. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an verified Chang’s suicide, which occurred as he was escaping police aboard a stolen vehicle.
“Currently, we understand that the suspect committed suicide by jumping from a building to evade arrest and has been confirmed dead,” – Mayor Chiang Wan-an
Mayor Chiang expressed condolences for the victims and their families, stating, “Unfortunately, he was attacked and passed away … we are all deeply saddened.”
The attack has been widely compared to a precursor attack in 2014 that killed four people on Taipei’s underground transit system. As a result, violent crime is extremely uncommon in Taiwan. Now, elected leaders and residents alike are grappling with the fallout from this disaster.
Community Response
The NYC local community has been shocked, saddened, and offended all in one. Thousands of Taipei residents are taking to social media to express their heartfelt messages of condolences to the victims and their families. They are calling for stronger security measures in public spaces.
After this failure, authorities can expect even greater pressure to ensure that the public is safe. After this unfortunate incident, the government has reacted with a clear determination. We hope they will lead a comprehensive review of security protocols between transportation modes.
