Taiwan police rule out terrorism in 19 December 2025 Taipei Metro stabbing that killed 4, injured at least 11

TAIPEI: Taiwanese police have ruled out terrorism in a deadly stabbing attack on the Taipei Metro that killed four people and wounded at least 11 on 19 December 2025, as authorities intensified security for year-end events and large public gatherings.

The attack unfolded at Taipei Main Station and near Zhongshan MRT Station during peak periods.

According to the Taipei City Police Department, the suspect acted alone and showed no evidence of political, religious or ideological motivation.

A senior police official told media on 21 December that investigators had “preliminarily ruled out terrorism”.

The official said the suspect did not meet the legal or operational definition of a terrorist attack.

“Based on what we have established so far, the suspect did not make or display any statements or views related to politics, religion, or any specific ideology,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Police identified the suspect as 27-year-old Chang Wen (張文).

Authorities said Chang died after jumping from the sixth floor of the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi building while being pursued by police following the attack.

Investigators said Chang planned the attack for more than a year. Evidence reviewed by police showed a pattern of advance preparation, including the purchase of weapons, protective gear and incendiary materials.

According to Taipei City Police, Chang bought a box of 24 smoke grenades in January last year for NT$48,000 (approx. US$1,523) through the online platform Ruten. The grenades were manufactured in China, police said.

Chang reportedly told the seller that he needed the grenades for survival games. Police said he later purchased tactical gloves, gas masks, protective shields and industrial-grade alcohol in April through the e-commerce platform Shopee.

In the month before the attack, Chang allegedly acquired gasoline canisters, blowtorches, methanol and a knife sharpener. Police said they are still investigating where he obtained the knife used in the stabbings.

During the attack, Chang deployed all the smoke grenades he had purchased, police said. Seventeen were used inside Taipei Main Station, while others were thrown outside the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi building.

Four grenades were found in a burned suitcase brought by the suspect, and one grenade failed to detonate. Police said the widespread use of smoke was intended to create panic and confusion.

Police believe Chang acted alone after reviewing surveillance footage and travel records. There was no indication of accomplices or external coordination, investigators said.

In the three days leading up to the attack, Chang repeatedly travelled around Zhongshan District, focusing on the area surrounding Eslite Spectrum Nanxi. Police believe this was reconnaissance to familiarise himself with the environment.

An electronic tablet found in a hotel room rented by Chang showed that he had researched previous mass attacks, including the 2014 Taipei MRT stabbing carried out by Cheng Chieh (鄭捷), according to police briefings.

Chang had rented an apartment off Gongyuan Road from January, paying about NT$10,000 (approx. US$317) per month. Police said rental payments were made on time, suggesting basic financial stability.

His employment history showed that he worked as a security guard from June 2023 to June last year.

He had been discharged from the military earlier for drunk driving and had no reported income after leaving his job.

Police said Chang’s mother occasionally sent him money. Authorities are continuing to investigate his financial records to better understand his circumstances before the attack.

The Ministry of Health said 11 people were injured in the incident.

Two victims remain in intensive care, while others are being treated for stab wounds and smoke inhalation.

Following the attack, police nationwide were instructed to strengthen security at public places.

Authorities said they were building a multi-layered social safety network to improve rapid response capabilities.

Taipei city officials said security readiness had been comprehensively raised in crowded areas. Patrols have been intensified, particularly during weekends and at night.

Police deployments have also been expanded at transport hubs, major events and festive venues.

The measures cover upcoming holiday activities, including year-end celebrations and sporting events.

Metro Taipei announced the temporary closure of a Christmas market near Zhongshan station.

The market will remain closed for three days in honour of the victims.

New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi said city authorities would work closely with the central government to boost patrols and protective measures. He said the goal was to allow the public to participate in events safely and “with peace of mind”.