Man dies confronting attacker as Taipei tightens security after fatal stabbing spree

A man who confronted a knife-wielding suspect during a random stabbing spree near two of Taipei’s busiest metro stations died from his injuries, prompting city and national leaders to order heightened security measures across public spaces.

The victim, a 57-year-old man surnamed Yu, encountered the attacker at Exit M7 of Taipei Main Station on Friday evening and immediately attempted to stop him, according to Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an.

Chiang described the incident as “heartbreaking” while speaking to reporters, saying the man acted instinctively to protect others but was fatally wounded in the process.

National Taiwan University Hospital said the man suffered a penetrating wound about five centimetres long.

The injury, caused by a sharp object, extended from the right lung to the left atrium and proved fatal despite emergency treatment.

The attack unfolded around 6 p.m. near Taipei Main Station and later spread to the Zhongshan shopping district.

Police said the suspect threw smoke grenades and randomly attacked passers-by with a knife.

The 27-year-old suspect, identified as Chang Wen, went on to stab multiple people near Zhongshan Station, including inside the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store, before dying himself.

According to Taipei police, Chang attacked victims on the first and fourth floors of the store, primarily targeting the neck, causing panic among shoppers and staff.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear.

One woman inside the Eslite store told Taiwan's Central News Agency she saw Chang wielding a long knife and stabbing people, then helped a terrified woman who had fallen while fleeing.

Another witness, surnamed Chen, said injured people lay on the ground surrounded by shocked bystanders as emergency crews rushed in.

“It was complete confusion. People were just standing there in shock,” he said.

Police said Chang later jumped from the sixth floor of the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi building and suffered cardiac arrest.

He was rushed to Cathay General Hospital and pronounced dead at 7.42 p.m.

Authorities confirmed that the attack left three people dead and six others injured. The wounded were taken to several hospitals in Taipei for emergency treatment.

Following the incident, Chiang convened an emergency security task force and ordered an immediate increase in police visibility across the city.

Patrols were stepped up at MRT stations, railway hubs, commercial districts, and other crowded areas.

Investigators later searched Chang’s rented residence in Zhongzheng District, Taipei, and his family home in Yangmei District, Taoyuan.

Police said they found materials commonly used to make Molotov cocktails at his Taipei residence.

During a search of his family home early Saturday, officers recovered a laptop computer and an old mobile phone believed to belong to Chang.

Police said Chang had not lived with his parents for some time and had limited contact with them.

Authorities also disclosed that Chang was an unemployed former security guard and had failed to report a change of household registration.

This prevented delivery of his reserve military service summons, and an arrest warrant had been issued earlier for violating military service regulations.

President Lai Ching-te said the attack highlighted the need for improved police deployment in busy public areas.

He announced that more officers, including rapid response units, would be deployed nationwide.

Speaking at National Taiwan University Hospital, where he visited injured victims, Lai offered condolences to the bereaved families and thanked medical staff for their emergency response.

Lai said he had instructed agencies to thoroughly investigate Chang’s background and motive, including whether there were accomplices or others linked to the attack.

Premier Cho Jung-tai also visited injured victims and praised members of the public who tried to stop the attacker.

He said security would be tightened at major transport hubs and airports in the long term.

Cho urged the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information, asking for time as the investigation continues.

Police said honours and formal commendations would be considered for individuals who acted bravely during the incident, including a Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation employee who suffered smoke inhalation while responding to the scene.

Investigations into the motive behind the stabbing spree remain ongoing, with authorities examining digital devices and other evidence recovered during the searches.