A Violent Night in Taipei: What Happened and Why?

Taipei, the bustling capital of Taiwan, experienced a rare and shocking event on a Friday evening. A man went on a rampage, using smoke grenades and knives to create chaos. This attack left at least four people dead and several others injured. The suspect, a 27-year-old man from Taoyuan, was also killed during a police chase. The incident began at Taipei Main Station during rush hour. The attacker threw smoke grenades, causing panic and confusion. He then moved to the nearby Zhongshan district, a popular shopping and nightlife area. Videos from bystanders show him throwing smoke grenades and attacking people with a long knife.The suspect was a former air force volunteer soldier. He had been discharged in 2022 and had a criminal record. Authorities described the attack as deliberate, but the motive remains unclear. Taiwan's president announced heightened security measures nationwide and promised no leniency. Violent crime is not common in Taiwan, but recent stabbing attacks on the metro have raised concerns. In 2014, a similar incident left four people dead and over 20 injured. The attacker in that case was executed in 2016. Last year, another stabbing attack injured three people in Taichung. The attacker used replica US military smoke grenades, which are sold online for outdoor activities and training. Authorities are investigating how he obtained these items. The incident has sparked discussions about security measures and the availability of such equipment.