On December 23, 2025, in Taipei MRT station, a 27-year-old man named Zhang Wen carried out a random attack, resulting in 4 deaths and 11 injuries. The National Police Agency of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of China stated on the 22nd that as of the New Year’s Eve, a total of 137 major events in various regions have been planned with strengthened security measures by local police stations, involving a total of 17,295 police and civilian personnel to enhance law enforcement visibility.
The Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of China, in collaboration with the National Police Agency and police chiefs from 22 counties and cities, held a special meeting on “Enhancing Public Space and Transportation System Security” from the 20th to the 21st, chaired by Minister of the Interior Liu Shih Fang, Director of the National Police Agency Zhang Rongxing, and the police chiefs of 22 counties and city governments.
The meeting discussed and reviewed measures to improve on-site handling, enhance coordination mechanisms, strengthen social security protection, improve the capabilities of rapid response teams, enhance professional counter-terrorism forces, and reinforce security at large events or crowded places within their jurisdictions.
The National Police Agency urged all agencies to combine diligent deployment with resources such as voluntary police, community patrols, and security personnel of public venues and event organizers to create a multi-layered social security protection network, aiming for prompt reporting, response, and effective on-site handling.
Investigations revealed that a total of 137 major events including temple fairs and celebrations leading up to the Lunar New Year on January 1st, were planned by local police stations for security reinforcement such as the “Taipei Marathon Christmas Fun Run,” “Taoyuan Sun Music Festival,” and “Kaohsiung Christmas Life Festival.”
Regarding the use of auxiliary civilian personnel, in response to President Lai Ching-te’s instructions, a total of 17,295 police and civilian personnel, including 11,902 police officers, have been utilized to bolster law enforcement visibility, in collaboration with various civilian groups to ensure the safety and success of large-scale events.
The National Police Agency expressed that the recent attack not only resulted in casualties but also had a significant impact on the public. They acknowledged the heroic actions of individuals who risked their lives to assist others, including Mr. Yu, who tragically lost his life while trying to stop the assailant.
In the wake of the tragedy, the government reiterates the importance of prioritizing personal safety in times of crisis and emphasizes the value of helping others and self-rescue.
The Ministry of the Interior issued a stern warning against any attempts to imitate criminal acts, emphasizing Taiwan’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. They reassured the public of strict law enforcement to combat potential threats, urging citizens to report any suspicious or unusual activities to safeguard security.
In response to concerns raised by lawmakers on the 22nd, the Ministry of the Interior will continue to conduct training for responding to major security incidents and conduct joint inter-agency exercises. They will review current police deployment and command mechanisms, promptly clarify misinformation to stabilize public perception, improve police duty equipment procurement, and enhance public defense awareness.
Furthermore, the Ministry of the Interior will provide full assistance in relation to honoring Mr. Yu, who sacrificed his life in a noble act of bravery, taking into consideration the wishes of his family.
Lastly, in line with President Lai Ching-te and Premier Su’s commitment to enhancing safety measures in public spaces, the Ministry of the Interior pledges to continuously review and implement concrete measures to ensure a safe and secure environment for all citizens to thrive peacefully.