What began as a routine Friday rush hour at Taipei Main Station and the Zhongshan commercial district quickly turned deadly when a man launched violent attacks on commuters and shoppers.
The attacker, 27-year-old Chang Wen, set off smoke grenades and attacked people with a large knife as people were shopping or heading home. Four people have been confirmed dead — including Chang — and 11 were injured.
A police investigation suggests Chang acted alone and had planned the random attacks for at least half a year. Police say there has been no sign of a terrorist motive.
Taiwan’s Interior Ministry says it will step up security measures for end-of-year events.
Correction: The video was reuploaded to blur a sensitive image.
Reporters: Irene Lin/Lery Hiciano/Leslie Liao Videographers: Joseph Wu/Luffy Li/Yuan Tuan Video Editor: Alison Nguyen
00:03People in Taipei's busy Zhongshan Commercial District saw rush hour take a turn for the deadly.
00:0927-year-old Zhang Wen set off smoke grenades and attacked people with a large knife
00:13at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station on Friday evening.
00:18Four people had been confirmed dead, including Zhang, and 11 were injured.
00:23One restaurant worker recalls the harrowing scene.
00:30All the people were screaming, so they were screaming and screaming in the hallways.
00:36The tragedy in Taipei has shaken the country.
00:39President Lai Qingde has personally gone to check up on those injured.
00:43Besides thanking civilians who intervened,
00:45he emphasized that police forces must be the first to respond and protect civilians going forward.
00:51Taiwan's Interior Ministry is also promising to boost security
00:54for end-of-year events in the wake of these attacks.
00:57Zhang used to use a number of victims of 17,295 victims,
01:02including a number of victims of 1,902 victims,
01:05and a number of victims of 5,649 victims.
01:07The military will definitely be able to train, equipment, and practice,
01:10and in the three big steps.
01:12In the last few days, they will also increase
01:13to ensure that the whole community can continue to have a safe, safe, and safe environment.
01:18A police investigation suggests that Zhang acted alone
01:21and had planned the attacks for at least half a year,
01:24with no sign of a terrorist motive.
01:27Zhang, originally from Taoyuan in northern Taiwan,
01:30was previously discharged from the Air Force due to drunk driving,
01:34and was wanted for failing to report for military duty this year.
01:37The situation in the last few days is going to be removed from the coronavirus.
01:41I understand that the police investigation has been a long time for two years.
01:45The police investigation has been a pleasure.
01:47For the deceased victims, including one 57-year-old security guard
01:52who tried to stop the attacker,
01:54the Taipei Metro is offering 160,000 U.S. dollars in compensation.
01:59The Taipei City government says it will also contribute.
02:03But for the victims' families,
02:04no amount can make up for what they've lost.
02:06The police investigation has been a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for a long time for
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