December 19, 2025 | 10:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Taiwanese authorities say that at least five people were injured Friday and three killed in a smoke grenade and knife attack at metro stations in the capital, Taipei.
The perpetrator, a man said to be in his twenties, was initially thought to have jumped to his death from a nearby building after the attack. That fact was later confirmed by police, who said he had been certified dead after he was sent to the hospital, according to Taiwan's Central News Agency, bringing the total number of dead to four.
What we know so far
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said Friday that the perpetrator had thrown smoke grenades at the city's main train station then boarded a subway train, which he rode for one stop, before exiting and throwing more smoke grenades.
Passersby scrambled for safety at both sites as the man then proceeded to slash at pedestrians with a long knife as he ran from police.
Police say several individuals were not only injured in the knife attack, but also by the smoke grenades.
Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-ta on Friday said authorities are looking into the suspected perpetrator's background, calling the attack "a deliberate act," adding that police had increased security at Taiwan's train and subway stations.
Cho said the suspect had been wearing a mask and threw "five or six gasoline bombs or smoke grenades" at Taipei Main Station metro.
Cho also told reporters that "three people in the two locations are currently in a state of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and another five people have suffered injuries from stab wounds and blunt force trauma to various parts of their bodies."
Authorities say the suspected attacker had a criminal record and outstanding warrants. Premier Cho on Friday said investigators had searched the man's home, adding, "We will investigate his background and associated relationships to understand his motives and determine if there are other connected factors."
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said the government would strengthen security and swiftly investigate the case to ensure public safety.
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