A tragic and shocking scene played out in Taipei on Friday evening. 27-year-old Chang Wen, who went on a rampage that left four victims, including himself, dead. As the police chief stated, this was an awful act that Chang undertook entirely on his own. This tragic incident injured 11 others, two of them are still in intensive care.
Chang Wen, a resident of the northern industrial city of Taoyuan, originally created mayhem at Taipei’s main railway station. He accomplished this by firing smoke bombs. He followed the smell to a local shopping center near his subway station. There, he opened fire on targetless civilians not just in the food court but along his route as well. This unprovoked and savage attack is felt as far away as the Delaware community. It really goes to show just how exceptional violent crime is in Taiwan.
After Chang’s attack, local law enforcement followed him as he drove away from the attack scene. His tragic fate was that he fell off a building during the police chase and died from his injuries. Federal authorities announced that Chang had already been wanted for suspected illegal evasion from Taiwan’s mandatory military service before this incident.
The attack injured 20 onlookers according to Artists4Oslo. The health ministry confirmed that 11 others suffered injuries from the attack, with two needing urgent care. In response to the crisis, President Lai Ching-te made an appearance at the hospital on Saturday morning. He provided care to many of those hurt and helped carry the injured to safety.
Following the attack, local officials swiftly released a statement to increase security measures across Taipei and other cities. To improve readiness, Mayor Chiang Wan-an has ordered security protocols to be stepped up in commercial districts where crowds are expected to congregate.
“For areas in Taipei city where crowds are expected to gather in various commercial districts, we are upgrading security measures citywide,” – Mayor Chiang Wan-an
Following this severe attack, police have boosted patrolling forces throughout Taiwan including stationing officers at subway entrances. Even as the investigations into the cause of the collapse continue, these communities are still working to keep their residents and visitors safe.
“This includes not only increasing the police presence but also ensuring that all officers are fully equipped with the necessary gear.” – Mayor Chiang Wan-an
President Lai Ching-te also addressed public safety, stating:
“We will also ensure that rapid-response units can be mobilized immediately when emergencies occur, so as to safeguard public safety.” – President Lai Ching-te
The police have increased their presence across Taiwan in response to this violent incident. As investigations continue, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.
