Three killed in Taipei stabbing, smoke bomb attack

According to local authorities, a knife-wielding attacker in central Taipei killed at least three people and injured five others before passing away during a police chase.

Premier Cho Jung-tai of Taiwan claimed in a statement on Friday that the suspect had reportedly exploded smoke bombs inside a busy shopping district before heading for a nearby subway station and attacked people there.

Although the motive for the attacks was not immediately known, Cho claimed, the attacks were “deliberate acts.”

The premier continued, “He purposefully threw smoke bombs and used a long knife to carry out indiscriminate attacks on the public.”

Local authorities claim that the suspect later died in a police chase after fleeing a building.

The attacker apparently jumped off the building “to avoid arrest and has been confirmed dead,” according to Mayor Chiang Wan-an.

A canister was visible in a canister on the ground at the Main Station, and officers were examining potential evidence there at the time, according to images released by Taiwan’s Central News Agency.

Premier Cho, who only uses Chang’s last name to identify the deceased suspect, claimed he had an outstanding warrant and a prior criminal record, and that his home had been searched.

To understand his motives and related relationships, he continued, “We will look into his background and any other relevant factors,” he continued.

In response to the attacks, Taiwan police increased security on the entire island.

A high level of alert and vigilance is maintained at all important locations, Cho said, including railroad stations, highways, subway stations, and airports.

President William Lai Ching-te in the meantime stated to reporters that Taiwanese authorities would “quickly clarify the details of the case.”

He declared, “We will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our citizens,” adding that there won’t be any leniency.