Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te pledged a full and transparent investigation after a deadly stabbing attack on Taipei’s metro system that left three people dead and at least 11 wounded.
A 27-year-old suspect set off smoke bombs during Friday evening rush hour at Taipei’s main station before launching a knife attack that stretched across the station, an underground shopping area, and another stop on the Taipei Metro, police said. The suspect, identified by his family name Chang, later died after jumping from a building while evading arrest, in an apparent suicide, according to city officials.
Authorities said Chang had acted alone and that the motive remained unclear. He was reportedly wanted for failing to report for reserve service and had previously been discharged from the military over a drunk-driving offence.
Visiting victims in hospital on Saturday, Lai expressed condolences to the families of those killed and vowed to “give the public a full account of the truth.” He also called for faster emergency responses and stronger counter-terrorism preparedness.
Violent crime is rare in Taiwan. Metro authorities closed a nearby Christmas market for three days in honour of the victims.
