By Lu Yixin, Vision Times
A deadly stabbing attack that took place in central Taipei late on Dec. 19 has shaken Taiwan and ignited intense public debate, including online speculation over possible political motives. President Lai Ching-te said on Friday that he has instructed authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the suspect’s background and motive, pledging that the findings will be made public.
The attack occurred near Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station on the Taipei Metro system. According to police, the suspect — identified as Zhang Wen — threw multiple smoke canisters before launching indiscriminate knife attacks, leaving at least four people dead and nine others injured. Zhang later fell from a building while under police pursuit and died. His motive remains under investigation.
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On Dec. 20, members of the public gathered near the M8 exit of Taipei Main Station to lay flowers and mourn the victims. But Taiwan’s Central News Agency was quick to report that Zhang acted alone and that investigators have not identified accomplices at this stage.
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However, the unusual use of smoke canisters and indications of planning have fueled widespread online discussion, with some netizens questioning whether the incident could be linked to so-called “fifth column” activity associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
President Lai visits victims, orders full probe
President Lai visited National Taiwan University Hospital on Friday morning to send their condolences to the injured and their families. He expressed condolences to the families of those killed and thanked medical staff at NTU Hospital and the Tri-Service General Hospital for their rapid emergency response.
Lai also praised members of the public who intervened to stop the attacker, saying their actions prevented further casualties and demonstrated exceptional courage. He said he had instructed prosecutors, police, and investigative agencies to thoroughly review the suspect’s personal background, motive, whether there were accomplices, and whether anyone was behind the attack. “The truth must be fully investigated and clearly explained to society,” Lai said.
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The president added that the government would strengthen police deployments in crowded public areas and ensure that rapid-response units are capable of immediate action in future emergencies to protect public safety.
Later that day, Lai visited additional victims at Taipei City Hospital’s Heping and Zhongxing branches before traveling to the National Police Agency for a briefing by the “12/19 Taipei Random Attack” task force.
Following the briefing, Lai issued four directives: Ensuring immediate medical care and long-term physical and psychological support for victims; establishing a special investigative task force to determine and disclose the truth; strengthening nationwide police rapid-response and counterterrorism training; and providing compensation, assistance, and formal recognition to affected civilians.
City government and police response
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an convened an emergency interdepartmental meeting on Friday and announced heightened security measures at major transport hubs and crowded areas, including Taipei Main Station, Ximen, Zhongshan, the Yuanshan market area, and the Xinyi commercial district. Security will also be increased for large public events such as New Year celebrations, concerts, and road races.
Police revealed that a tablet computer recovered from Zhang’s residence appeared to contain what investigators described as a “killing plan,” suggesting premeditation. Authorities emphasized, however, that the suspect’s motive remains under active investigation.
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The case has generated extensive discussion on platforms such as PTT and Threads. Some users questioned whether the attack was politically motivated, citing the suspect’s methods as unusually organized for a typical criminal case.
Comments included assertions such as, “Would someone acting alone really use smoke canisters?” Others speculated that the incident resembled a “stress test” tied to urban warfare tactics, with some explicitly labeling it “fifth column” activity aimed at destabilizing Taiwan.
Despite police statements indicating preliminary evidence points to a lone perpetrator, online speculation has continued to intensify. Democratic Progressive Party legislator Shen Po-yang addressed the issue by sharing emergency-response guidance for civilians, emphasizing self-protection, basic first aid such as bleeding control, and the importance of avoiding panic.
Shen also urged the public not to spread unverified information. While acknowledging that online discussions have raised questions about possible “fifth column” involvement, he said such determinations should be left to government investigators. From a public-safety standpoint, he stressed, citizens should focus on preparedness regardless of the ultimate motive.
International media attention
The incident has drawn coverage from international media outlets. The BBC reported, citing Taiwanese media, that the suspect had a criminal record and was wanted at the time of the attack, noting that such incidents are rare in Taiwan, which has a relatively low rate of violent crime.
Reuters likewise described the attack as highly unusual, pointing out that Taiwan’s last major mass-casualty incident on the Taipei Metro occurred in 2014, when a man killed four people. That attacker was later executed in 2016.
As investigators continue examining the evidence, authorities have emphasized that determining the suspect’s motive remains a top priority and have urged the public to refrain from speculation until official findings are released.
Editorial note: This article is based on reporting by Taiwan’s Central News Agency, statements from government officials, local media coverage, and public discussions on social media platforms. Claims and speculation regarding political motives or alleged links to external forces reflect online commentary and have not been confirmed by investigators.
