Three people were killed and five others wounded after a knife attack in Taiwan on Friday that ended with the suspect jumping to his death while fleeing police.
Authorities said the attacker released smoke bombs at Taipei’s main train station before moving toward a nearby subway station in a crowded shopping district, stabbing people along the way. Premier Cho Jung-tai said the assaults appeared to be random and deliberate.
The suspect, identified only by the surname Chang, had a criminal record and outstanding arrest warrants. His home has been searched as part of the investigation.
Officials said Chang was carrying smoke grenades and may also have had petrol bombs, some of which appeared to have burned at the scene. He was reportedly wearing a mask and what looked like body armor during the attack.
“It appears he intentionally used smoke devices and a long knife to carry out indiscriminate attacks on the public,” Cho said, adding that investigators are examining the suspect’s background and possible connections to determine his motive.
