Bangkok: The Taipei mayor has ordered tightened security measures. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an pledged today to step up security measures across the city, particularly around major transportation hubs and large event venues, following yesterday's knife attack in a main shopping district that left three dead.
According to Thai News Agency, during a press conference, Mr. Chiang stated that Taipei authorities plan to increase the number of police officers stationed at various locations, and emphasized the importance of ensuring that all officers are fully equipped with the necessary tools and weapons to be ready for duty.
In Friday's incident, the assailant ignited a smoke bomb near Taipei's main train station before running towards a subway station in a bustling commercial district and attacking people along the way. The attacker died after falling from a building during a police chase. Local media videos showed the man throwing gas canisters onto a crowded street and wielding a long knife as he walked into a shopping mall, amidst shouts from passersby urging them to call the police as he began assaulting people.
Taiwanese Prime Minister Cho Chung-tai revealed that investigations found the deceased perpetrator had a criminal record and an outstanding arrest warrant. Authorities have already searched his residence, and the Prime Minister emphasized that such violent crimes are extremely rare in Taiwan.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Cho added that in addition to the smoke bombs, the perpetrator is believed to have been carrying other dangerous objects, such as incendiary devices, which showed signs of burning at the scene. Moreover, during the attack, he was wearing protective gear resembling bulletproof vest and a mask to conceal his face.