Taipei: President Lai Ching-te announced on Saturday that the government will increase police deployment, including rapid response units, in Taiwan’s crowded public areas to ensure a swift response to potential threats. This decision follows a random knife attack in Taipei that resulted in three deaths and several injuries.
According to Focus Taiwan, the incident underscored the need for better police presence in busy public spaces. Lai spoke to reporters at National Taiwan University Hospital, where he was visiting the injured and meeting with their families. He emphasized that the rapid response units will bolster public safety and enable quick reactions to emergencies.
During the attack on Friday, a 27-year-old man, identified as Chang Wen, used smoke grenades and went on a stabbing spree in Taipei Main Station and the nearby Zhongshan shopping district. The attack left three people dead and several others injured. Chang allegedly fell to his death from the sixth floor of the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi building while being pursued by police.
On Saturday, President Lai expressed condolences to the bereaved families and thanked hospitals for their emergency care of the injured. He instructed agencies to investigate the suspect’s background and motive thoroughly and to check for any accomplices. Lai also commended public bravery in attempting to stop the attacker and prevent further harm.
Premier Cho Jung-tai also visited the injured at MacKay Memorial Hospital and praised those who tried to stop the suspect. Among them was Liu, an employee of Taipei Rapid Transit Corp., who sustained smoke inhalation injuries while trying to extinguish a blaze caused by the attack.
Another man, Yu, aged 57, was fatally stabbed while attempting to prevent the suspect from releasing a smoke grenade, as confirmed by Taipei police.
Premier Cho stated that the government will investigate the attack’s motive and strengthen preventive measures. Security will be tightened across major railways, highways, train stations, and airports, with enhanced police presence and equipment. These measures aim to boost public confidence in security and will remain in place long-term.
Cho urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to stay calm while the investigation continues. President Lai was later briefed by the National Police Agency on the investigation’s progress. He emphasized the importance of long-term counseling for those affected, issuing consolation payments to victims’ families, and recognizing individuals who helped contain the attack.