A shocking rampage in Taipei has left three people dead and at least nine injured after an attacker detonated smoke bombs and stabbed commuters during the busy Friday evening rush hour. The suspect, identified by officials as 27-year-old Chang Wen, later died after falling from a multi-storey building while being pursued by police.

The attack has sent waves of anxiety across Taiwan, a nation with a very low rate of violent crime, forcing a conversation about public safety and the motives that could drive such a public assault. For Kenyans, where discussions around daily security are constant, the incident is a stark reminder that urban vulnerabilities can surface even in the world's safest-feeling cities.

An Attack Unfolds in Public View

The chaos began around 5:20 PM local time (12:20 PM EAT) at Taipei Main Station, a major transport hub. Eyewitnesses described the suspect, wearing a mask and tactical gear, throwing what Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai identified as smoke bombs or Molotov cocktails into the crowds. Panic erupted as thick smoke filled parts of the station, with videos shared on social media showing commuters fleeing in terror.

Chang then moved towards the nearby Zhongshan Station, a popular shopping district, attacking people indiscriminately with a long knife. The rampage continued into the Eslite Spectrum department store, where he stabbed several people before he was cornered by police. The chase ended when Chang fell from the sixth floor of the building; he was later pronounced dead in hospital.

Searching for a Motive

While Premier Cho labeled the incident a "deliberate act," the motive behind the attack remains unclear as of Saturday morning. Authorities have confirmed that Chang had a prior criminal record and an outstanding warrant for evading mandatory military service. A search of a room he had rented uncovered materials for making Molotov cocktails, suggesting a degree of planning.

This attack is the deadliest of its kind in Taiwan in over a decade. It has drawn comparisons to a 2014 metro stabbing that killed four people and deeply horrified the island. That attacker was later executed.

• Fatalities: Three members of the public were killed.
• Injuries: At least nine others were hospitalized with stab wounds and other injuries.
• Suspect: Chang Wen, 27, died after falling from a building during a police chase.

Heightened Security Across Taiwan

In response to the violence, President Lai Ching-te vowed that authorities would act swiftly to investigate and ensure citizens' safety, stating there would be "no leniency." Security has been significantly increased across the island's transport network, including at railway stations, airports, and metro systems, to restore public confidence.

The attack serves as a chilling reminder of the potential for sudden, indiscriminate violence. While details on Chang's motivations are still scarce, the incident forces a society unused to such events to confront the underlying factors that could lead to such a tragic outcome.