An incident of random attack by throwing smoke bombs and slashing people occurred at the M7 exit of Taipei Main Station on the Bannan Line of the Taipei Metro on December 19, causing 4 deaths and 11 injuries. President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, stated today that he has instructed the judiciary and police to thoroughly investigate the motives of the criminals responsible for the incident and to be accountable to the society; also, to strengthen the deployment of police forces and rapid response units in public places to ensure the protection of the public.
In the vicinity of Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station on the Taipei Metro, a suspect named Zhang Wen carried out a random attack by throwing smoke bombs and wielding a knife on the evening of the 19th, according to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of China. This incident resulted in a total of 15 people being sent to the hospital, including 4 fatalities, with 2 individuals still in intensive care.
President Lai Ching-te visited the victims of the random attacks in Taipei today, first at National Taiwan University Hospital, then at Taipei Medical University Wanfang Hospital and Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital. Lai Ching-te was accompanied by Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang, as well as representatives from the hospitals during the visits to the injured.
Lai expressed his condolences to the victims who tragically lost their lives in the disturbing random attack incident on the evening of the 19th, and extended his sympathies to their families. He also expressed special gratitude to hospitals like National Taiwan University Hospital and Tri-Service General Hospital for their efforts in saving the injured individuals. Furthermore, he expressed his appreciation and respect to those who bravely intervened to prevent the assailant from further harming the surrounding individuals, their courageous actions were commendable.
He stated that the government has instructed the judiciary and police to thoroughly investigate the background of the assailant, the motive of the crime, whether there were any accomplices, and any masterminds behind the scenes, and to disclose the truth to the society.
Lai emphasized that in the future, the government will take this incident as a lesson and strengthen the deployment of police forces and rapid response units in public places and areas with large crowds so that they can respond promptly in case of any incident, ensuring the protection of the public.
Premier of the Republic of China, Su Tseng-chang, visited and conveyed his sympathies to the victims and their families of the random attack incident at Tri-Service General Hospital in Neihu today. Su stated that the injured Eslite worker who he visited was well taken care of by the hospital and is currently in good condition.
Regarding claims made on social media platform Threads that the attack suspect Zhang Wen is the poster’s brother and that they belong to an organization, with the next target being Kaohsiung Station, Su Tseng-chang mentioned that efforts have been made through the police system since the 19th to investigate the IP address. At this crucial time when the public needs reassurance, he strongly condemned such actions and the negative impact they bring to society. The authorities will expedite the investigation and he urged everyone not to spread such messages.