Chang Wen, 27, threw smoke bombs and indiscriminately stabbed people inside a Taipei subway station on 19/12, killing three and injuring 11. While being pursued by police, the suspect jumped from a nearby building and died.
The Taipei Police Department announced on 21/12 that Chang Wen had meticulously planned the attack for over a year, starting with purchases of tactical gloves, gas masks, protective shields, and industrial alcohol in April 2024.
By mid-January this year, Chang Wen purchased 24 smoke bombs online for more than 63 USD each, claiming they were for an airsoft survival game.
Starting in November, Chang Wen bought gasoline, mini gas canisters, blowtorches, and methyl alcohol, which he used to make Molotov cocktails. When ordering these items, the suspect used the alias Truong Phong Nghiem, indicating long-term planning and preparation for the attack, according to the Taipei Police Department.
Officials stated that Chang Wen threw 17 smoke bombs at the Taipei subway station on 19/12, three on Nanjing West Road, and 4 were burned inside the bag he carried.
Chang Wen then stabbed people he encountered on the street, climbed onto the roof of a 6-story shopping mall, and jumped. Police confirmed the suspect died at the scene.
 |
Suspect Chang Wen holding a knife on a Taipei street on 19/12. Photo: Innews |
Taipei police are investigating the suspect's finances, the content of his burned laptop, and security camera footage to determine the motive, but have ruled out terrorism.
On Chang Wen's iPad, police found search history for "random killings", including a 2014 knife attack on the Taipei subway that killed 4 people.
Chang Wen had served in the armed forces but was forced to resign due to drunk driving. He was also wanted for failing to comply with an order to attend reserve military training.
According to Taiwan regulations, discharged servicemen must undergo 7-14 days of reserve training within 8 years of leaving the military. Failure to report for participation is considered military evasion.
Hong Hanh (Source: Focus Taiwan)
