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Before the stabbings, Chang committed two arson attacks on roads in Zhongshan District, setting parked vehicles on fire. He later returned to his apartment building and set it ablaze as well.[4][5]
After the attack, Chang returned to his hotel next to Zhongshan Station to retrieve his weapon and change clothes before carrying out the next assault.[8][9] At around 18:00, he threw more smoke grenades outside the station at the entrance to an Eslite Spectrum shopping center and indiscriminately slashed civilians before fleeing into the building.[10][11] Videos captured him casually tossing smoke grenades into crowds gathered on a sidewalk and smoke filling an underground station.[12] While fleeing, he fell from the roof of the building and was pronounced dead at Cathay General Hospital[zh] after resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.[8][13]
The exit of the Zhongshan metro station, where one of the attacks occurred, pictured in July 2025
Victims
Three people were killed: Yu and two 37-year-old men. Eleven others were injured, including two who were listed in critical condition on 20 December.[14] At least two of the victims were stabbed in the neck.[15][16][17] Six out of the eleven had minor injuries and sought medical attention on their own.[14]
On 20 December, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare said that the Taipei City Health Bureau confirmed that one of the injured was HIV-positive before the stabbing and on long-term medication with an undetectable viral load. During the incident, his blood was splattered at the scene, raising concerns about possible infection for the other victims. To address potential exposure from the weapon or blood at the scene, the CDC established a post-exposure counseling and publicly funded medication program for the stabbings and coordinated with the Taipei City Health Bureau to assist affected individuals.[18][19]
On 21 December, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an stated in an interview that the city would present a commendation certificate to Yu for his "valiant" attempt to oppose the attack, along with NT$6 million in condolence payments.[20] The Taipei Metro Corporation will also provide NT$5 million in compensation to the victim's family and place a memorial plaque at the MRT station. The Legislative Yuan's Internal Affairs Committee passed an extemporaneous motion to begin commendation proceedings the following day, pending submission by the local government of Yu's hometown.[21] On 23 December, Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng announced plans to honor Yu at the Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine during the 2026 Spring Memorial Service and to seek a Commendation Order from the central government.[22] Mega International Commercial Bank confirmed that it would cover the funeral arrangements for a 37-year-old employee who was among the deceased, and offer "generous" bereavement benefits to his family.[23] However, the 37-year-old passerby who was stabbed on the public road, rather than inside the Taipei Metro or Eslite premises, was found to be possibly ineligible for insurance compensation. In response, Chiang mentioned that support for the case would come from insurance payouts, compensation from the Association for Victims Support,[d] social welfare resources from his government, and public donations.[24]
Perpetrator
The attacker was identified as Chang Wen (1998–19 December 2025), a 27-year-old Taiwanese male. On 20 December, police preliminarily ruled out terrorism as a motive for the attack, stating that Chang was not known to have made specific political, religious, or ideological statements.[1] It added that Chang had no contact with his family for more than two years, had been discharged from the Republic of China Armed Forces for driving under the influence of alcohol, and that searches on his cloud backup included those for "random killings", such as the 2014 Taipei Metro attack.[25] He was suspected of breaching the Punishment Act for Violation of Military Service System after he failed to report for reserve military training, and was placed on the Taoyuan Prosecutors Office official wanted list.[26] Police also said Chang began preparing for the attack in April 2024 by purchasing smoke grenades, gas canisters, respirators, and other materials. He then rented an apartment in Zhongshan in January 2025 and scouted the area in preparation for the attacks, adding that he had acted alone and planned to "randomly kill people".[1][27]
Investigation
After the incident, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office immediately dispatched the chief prosecutor and prosecutors to the scene to direct the local police to conduct evidence collection and preliminary investigation, and to search the suspect's rented house. Police found survival game supplies, 17 smoke grenades, 15 molotov cocktails, tactical vests, and knives in the Taipei MRT connecting passage in Taipei Main Station. During the search of the hotel where the suspect Chang stayed, they found multiple molotov cocktails, suspected homemade incendiary bombs, a knife, a raincoat, a black hat, and two tablets as evidence. In his rented apartment in Zhongzheng District, they also found four knives, a burned ROG laptop, and five gasoline cans.[28] Based on the plan seized from cloud platform, the police determined that he had been unemployed for one to two years and had planned the crime, conducted a site survey, and carried out the attack according to the plan before the incident. In addition, the suspect's rented house was located in the Bo'ai Special Zone, not far from the Presidential Office Building. According to the police's preliminary investigation, there were no accomplices and the incident was not a terrorist attack.[29]
On 20 December, the Taipei City Police Department task force deciphered the "plan of attack" stored by the suspect on a cloud drive and believed that he was suspected of imitating the random killing incident on the Taipei Metro in 2014. Later, a intact solid-state drive was obtained from the ROG gaming laptop that he had burned. After testing, it was found that the solid-state drive used BitLocker digital encryption technology. The Criminal Investigation Bureau of the National Police Agency of the Ministry of the Interior had requested assistance from ASUS and Microsoft, but they were unable to crack it. At present, only brute-force cracking can be used to decrypt contents from laptop.[30] Meanwhile, when attempting to unlock the Apple devices, the Criminal Investigation Bureau's Technology Research and Development Division discovered that even when using the globally recognized advanced forensic software Cellebrite and GrayKey, the iPad Air and iPhone which the perpetrator used would automatically disconnect the moment it connected, making it impossible to establish a connection, let alone crack the password or export the data.[31]
Aftermath
In the immediate aftermath, Taiwanese authorities increased security at major transport hubs, including metro stations and airports, with heightened police patrols in crowded areas of Taipei.[32] By the following day, flowers and messages of condolence were placed near Exit M8 at Taipei Main Station.[33] A Christmas market near Zhongshan Station was closed for three days beginning on 20 December.[1] The Taipei Marathon on 21 December, just two days later, was the first major international event in the city since the incident. In response, Taipei increased security measures citywide and nearly doubled the number of personnel deployed.[34]
On 21 December, the Criminal Investigation Bureau reported that about 20 threatening or indiscriminate attack posts and comments had appeared online. A nationwide task force was formed to investigate these cases. At least three suspects were caught and are set to face legal consequences.[35]
Memorial bouquets at B1 floor of Taipei Main Station Bannan Line
Flowers and messages of condolences in front of Eslite Nanxi
Heightened police patrols took place in the days immediately following the incident.
"No Notoriety" movement
In response to some media outlets publishing detailed reports on suspects' backgrounds and weapons used in violent attacks, some people in Taiwan have echoed the "No Notoriety" movement, which originated in discussions of mass shootings in the United States. Supporters argue that excessive attention to perpetrators may increase the risk of copycat violence, and have cited remarks by former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern following the Christchurch mosque shootings, in which she urged the public to name victims rather than the perpetrator, stating that he sought notoriety and that New Zealand would give him nothing—not even his name.[36] Former television anchor Hsiao Tung-wen similarly called on the media and the public to avoid repeatedly mentioning the perpetrator's name.[37]
Responding to these public calls, Taipei mayor Chiang Wan-an referred to the suspect as the "December 19 suspect" rather than using his name, stating that society should not give perpetrators any notoriety and should instead focus on victims and public safety.[38]
Following the attack, commentators associated with the "No Notoriety" approach urged that public remembrance focus on victims and acts of heroism, particularly Yu Chia-chang (余家昶), who was killed while attempting to stop the assailant, rather than on the individual who carried out the attack.[39]
Reactions
On 23 December, Chang's parents made a public appearance outside of the funeral parlor where the autopsy of Chang had been performed. They wore face coverings and declined to provide their names. On behalf of both, the father apologized "to everyone" and recognized that "the heinous crimes committed by Chang Wen have caused serious harm to society and inflicted irreparable damage and suffering on the victims and their families." With police still seeking a motive to the premeditated attack, Chang's parents stated they would "fully cooperate with the judicial investigation." They then knelt down on the ground before bowing three times to a crowd of cameras.[40][41]
Several foreign representative offices (de facto embassies) in Taiwan expressed condolences. The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) extended sympathies to the victims and their families, commending first responders and stating solidarity with the people of Taiwan.[33] The Canadian Trade Office in Taipei said it was shocked and saddened, offering heartfelt condolences and wishing recovery to the injured.[33] The United Kingdom's representative to Taiwan also expressed condolences.[33] The Singapore Trade Office in Taipei expressed its deepest sympathies while wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.[42] The Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei was saddened by the news of the stabbing and wrote in a post on Facebook, "We extend our sincere condolences and stand with the families and loved ones of those affected".[43]
↑邱芷柔 (19 December 2025). "快訊／恐攻男北車、中山攻擊！最新傷亡名單曝光 4死、1命危、5傷"[Breaking: Terror attacks at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station! Latest casualty: 4 dead, 1 in critical, 5 injured.]. ETtoday News.
↑林昱孜 (19 December 2025). "恐怖攻擊北車、中山站釀「9傷4命危」宛如末日 嫌犯墜樓送醫畫面曝光"[Terror attack at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station leaves nine injured and four in critical condition, scene resembling apocalypse Footage emerges of suspect falling from building and being rushed to hospital]. SETN News (in Chinese). Retrieved 19 December 2025.
↑張哲輔 (19 December 2025). "北車→中山！通緝犯「張文」丟煙霧彈、狂砍路人 血濺南西誠品"[Taipei Station→Zhongshan! Fugitive Chang Wen set off smoke grenades and slashed passers-by. Blood shatters at Eslite Nanxi]. TVBS News (in Chinese). Retrieved 19 December 2025.
↑簡浩正 (20 December 2025). "獨家／北捷案傷者中有HIV 民團發聲：U=U不會傳染！盼「做1事」降恐慌"[Exclusive / One of the injured in the Taipei MRT incident has HIV; civic groups speak out: U=U is not contagious! Hoping to "do one thing" to reduce panic.]. SETN News (in Chinese (Taiwan)).
↑周瑾逸 (21 December 2025). "為阻止張文...57歲男英勇殉命 蔣萬安：盼入忠烈祠、北捷設置紀念牌"[In a valiant attempt to stop Zhang Wen... a 57-year-old man sacrificed his life. Chiang Wan-an: Expecting enshrinement at the Martyrs' Shrine and Memorial plaque installation at the Taipei Metro.]. TTV News (台視新聞網) (in Chinese). Retrieved 24 December 2025.
↑高華謙 (22 December 2025). "感念余家昶見義勇為 立院通過提案協助入祀忠烈祠 | 政治"[In recognition of Yu Jiachang's valiant deed, the Legislative Yuan passed a motion to facilitate his enshrinement in the Martyrs' Shrine.] (in Chinese). CNA. Retrieved 24 December 2025.
↑葉臻 (23 December 2025). "余家昶捨身阻暴 桃市府115年春祭入祀忠烈祠"[Yu Sacrificed His Life to Hinder Violence, Taoyuan City Government Enshrines Him in Martyrs' Shrine During 2026 Spring Memorial Ceremony] (in Chinese). CNA. Retrieved 24 December 2025.
↑林勁傑 (20 December 2025). "北市隨機殺人案兆豐行員遇害 兆豐銀：協助家屬治喪並從優撫恤"[Mega Bank employee killed in Taipei random stabbing incident. Mega Bank: Supporting the family with funeral arrangements and providing generous compensation.] (in Chinese). udn.com (聯合新聞網). Economic Daily News. Retrieved 24 December 2025.
↑黃雅琪 (22 December 2025). "白衣騎士遭砍「揮手示警到最後一刻」 蔣萬安揭3方向理賠撫卹"[White-clad biker slashed to death: 'Waved warning until his final moment' Chiang Wan-an outlines tripartite approach to compensation and bereavement benefits]. ` Mirror Media (in Traditional Chinese). Retrieved 24 December 2025.
↑劉松霖 (20 December 2025). "張文無差別攻擊查獲「雲端計畫書」！北車、中山共變裝5次"[Police seized Chang Wen's plan of attacks from cloud platform! He disguised himself five times at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan.]. NOWnews (今日新聞) (in Chinese). Retrieved 20 December 2025.
↑陳凱俊 (19 December 2025). "不是隨機犯案！張文行凶前2天「住旅館」過程曝光 房內搜出25瓶汽油彈"[Not a random attack! Chang Wen's hotel stay two days before the attack revealed; 25 bottles of molotov cocktails found in the room.]. Mirror Media (鏡週刊) (in Chinese). Retrieved 19 December 2025.
↑劉建邦 (20 December 2025). "張文預謀隨機犯案共4死11傷 警政署長：排除恐怖攻擊"[Chang Wen premeditated a random attack that resulted in 4 deaths and 11 injuries; Police Commissioner: Terrorist attack ruled out.]. Central News Agency (Taiwan) (中央社) (in Chinese). Retrieved 20 December 2025.
↑鄧庭婷 (24 December 2025). "張文筆電硬碟遭「48數碼鎖死」！警求助原廠碰壁 將採暴力破解"[Chang Wen's laptop hard drive was "locked by 48 Digital"! Police sought help from the manufacturer but were met with a rejection, they will resort to brute-force cracking.]. NOWnews (今日新聞) (in Chinese). Retrieved 24 December 2025.
↑林冠妤 (27 December 2025). "5件3C藏玄機！張文平板、手機「一插即斷」 頂尖軟體也無可奈何"[Five electronic products with hidden plans! Chang Wen's tablet and phone "disconnect upon plugging," even top-tier forensic software can't crack it.]. Newtalk News (Newtalk新聞) (in Chinese). Retrieved 27 December 2025.
↑鄭佩玟 (21 December 2025). "因應隨機傷人案！台北馬拉松693名警力全副武裝 蔣萬安下3裁示"[In response to random stabbing incidents! Taipei Marathon deploys 693 fully armed police officers. Mayor Chiang outlines three directives.]. ETtoday News (in Chinese).
↑"網路散布恐嚇已現20則 刑事局全國聯防速逮3嫌"[Online Threats Spread Across 20 Posts, National Police Agency Swiftly Arrests 3 Suspects Through Nationwide Joint Operation] (in Chinese (Taiwan)). SETN News. Central News Agency. 22 December 2025. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
↑"避免模仿效應！ 網友籲勿過度渲染凶手背景". 華視新聞 (in Chinese (Taiwan)). 21 December 2025. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
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