Taipei, Taiwan – Authorities across Taiwan have heightened security measures at transportation hubs following a shocking stabbing attack in Taipei that left three dead and eleven injured. The incident has sent ripples of concern throughout the island nation.
Police presence was visibly increased at major metro stations in the capital city early Monday. Law enforcement officials are actively investigating reported threats of similar attacks, including one incident involving a suspected bomb threat on the metro system.
According to Taipei’s Criminal Investigation Division Chief, Lo Chun-hong, police have received dozens of security threats since Friday’s attack. He emphasized that security has been significantly increased at transportation centers, New Year’s celebrations, concerts, and other large public gatherings.
The increased security follows an attack on Friday in which a 27-year-old man, identified as Chang Wen, allegedly used a smoke bomb and a knife at a major train station before attacking several people in a nearby shopping district.
Police reported that the attacker killed three individuals before falling to his death from a building. Eleven others sustained injuries during the rampage.
Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that the suspected attacker had a prior criminal record and outstanding warrants. His residence had previously been searched by authorities.
Violent crime is relatively rare in Taiwan. The last comparable incident occurred in 2014, when a man killed four people in a stabbing attack on the metro. The investigation into the recent attack is ongoing.
