An attacker armed with smoke grenades and a knife wounded at least nine people near Taipei Main Station on Friday. The suspect was taken to hospital and later certified dead; Mayor Chiang Wan-an said the suspect appeared to have jumped from a building while trying to evade arrest. Four victims were reported in serious condition, including one pedestrian who was in cardiac arrest before hospital arrival and another with smoke-related respiratory injury. Authorities are investigating the suspect’s background and have ordered stepped-up security at train and subway stations nationwide.
Smoke Grenade and Knife Attack Near Taipei Main Station Injures Nine; Suspect Reportedly Dead
Taiwan police cordoned off the scene after a knife attack in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — At least nine people were injured on Friday after an assailant deployed smoke grenades and wielded a knife in and around Taipei Main Station, authorities said. The suspect was taken to hospital and later certified dead, local officials and media reported.
A pool of blood is seen on the ground after the suspect jumped off the building after a knife attack in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Incident Details
According to local reports and video footage carried by broadcaster EBC, the attacker first threw smoke grenades inside Taipei Main subway station, adjacent to the city’s main train terminal, forcing commuters and pedestrians to flee. He then rode the metro for one stop, exited the station and released additional smoke grenades on a nearby street. Footage shows him brandishing a knife and gesturing at passersby before running into a shop, prompting bystanders to scream.
Taiwan police cordoned off the scene after a knife attack in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Mayor Chiang Wan-an said the suspect appeared to have jumped from a building while attempting to avoid arrest. Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported that the suspect was transported to hospital and later certified dead by authorities.
Taiwan police cordoned off the scene after a knife attack in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Casualties and Response
Mayor Chiang said four of the injured were in serious condition. Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai said one of the wounded — a pedestrian who collapsed after being attacked — was in cardiac arrest prior to arrival at hospital. Another victim suffered respiratory injuries attributed to the smoke.
Taiwan police cordoned off the scene after a knife attack in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Authorities have launched an investigation into the suspect’s background. Officials have also asked police to increase security at train and subway stations across Taiwan while inquiries continue.
Note: This account reflects details reported by the Associated Press, Taiwan’s Central News Agency and EBC. The situation is under investigation and details may be updated as new information becomes available.
Source: AP, Taiwan Central News Agency (CNA), EBC
