Parents of Taiwan metro stabbing suspect kneel to apologise as police probe finances and motive

 TAIWAN: The parents of a man accused of killing three people in a stabbing rampage at a Taipei metro station knelt publicly and apologised on 23 December 2025, promising to fully cooperate with investigators.

The suspect, 27-year-old Chang Wen, carried out the attack during evening rush hour on 19 December 2025, setting off smoke bombs at Taipei’s main metro station before stabbing commuters.

According to police, the attack left three people dead and 11 others wounded. The violence spread across the main station, an underground shopping area and a nearby metro stop.

Chang was later found dead on the same day. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said he had apparently jumped from a nearby building, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation.

Chang’s parents, whose names were not disclosed, appeared outside a funeral parlour where an autopsy had been conducted on their son’s body. Both wore hats and face masks.

They knelt and bowed repeatedly before reporters. Footage of the scene was broadcast live on Taiwan television networks.

“The heinous crimes committed by Chang Wen have caused serious harm to society and inflicted irreparable damage and suffering on the victims and their families,” his father said.

“We would like to apologise to everyone. We are sorry,” he added, kneeling beside his wife.

Chang’s father also pledged cooperation with authorities. “We will fully cooperate with the judicial investigation,” he told reporters.

Police said Chang’s family background was stable. His father was a retired engineer from the Hsinchu Science Park, while his mother worked as an accountant in a traditional manufacturing industry.

Chang’s elder brother is employed as an engineer in Kaohsiung, according to police findings. After retirement, Chang’s parents engaged in stock and foreign exchange investments.

Investigators examining Chang’s financial records found that he had no regular income after losing his job as a security guard in August 2023.

Police probe financial support from mother

Police said Chang relied entirely on personal savings and transfers from his mother after becoming unemployed.

From 2023 to 2025, about NT$820,000, approximately US$26,000, was transferred into Chang’s bank account, according to police investigations.

Authorities said the funds originated from Chang’s mother. She told investigators she had been unable to contact her son, despite the regular transfers.

Police are examining whether the money was used to finance the attack, including the purchase of weapons and materials. Chang’s parents declined to answer questions on this issue.

They also did not respond when asked whether they intended to offer compensation to victims or their families.

Officials said Chang rented an apartment near Taipei’s main station in January 2025 and had scouted the area in advance of the attack.

Attack planned in advance, motive still unclear

Investigators described the planning as deliberate. However, they said the motive behind the rampage remains unclear.

Police have “preliminarily” ruled out terrorism, stating there was no evidence of ideological or organisational links.

Authorities believe Chang acted alone and intended to “randomly kill people,” based on his movements and digital records.

Investigators found searches on Chang’s iPad related to “random killings,” including information on a 2014 Taipei metro stabbing in which four people were killed.

According to police, Chang had completed military service but was discharged after being caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

He was later wanted by military authorities for failing to report for reserve training, police said.

Officials reiterated that Chang was financially dependent on his family and had no known associates linked to the attack.