Taiwan's top law enforcement official, Cho Jung-tai, stated that the attacks on 19/12 at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station were "a deliberate act," though the suspect's motive has not yet been determined.

According to Cho, the suspect was a 27-year-old male whose identity has not been released. He was masked and threw about 5-6 gasoline bombs and smoke grenades at the train station. The suspect also used a knife to randomly attack people.

Police cordon off the scene of the attack at a train station in Taipei, Taiwan, on 19/12. Photo: Reuters

Police cordon off the scene of the attack at a train station in Taipei, Taiwan, on 19/12. Photo: Reuters

The attack resulted in three deaths and 5 injuries. The suspect also died. Taipei's leader stated that after committing the crime, the suspect appeared to have died by suicide by jumping from a building.

According to Taiwan authorities, the suspect was previously wanted for evading military service. His residence was searched, and authorities have also increased security across the island. Taiwan's leader, Lai Ching-te, stated that the government would quickly investigate and would not tolerate such crimes.

Violent crime is rare in Taiwan. In 2014, the island experienced an incident where a man fatally stabbed 4 people on the Taipei subway. He was executed in 2016.

By Ngoc Anh (AFP, Reuters)