TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Police revealed Monday (Dec. 22) that knife attacker Chang Wen (張文) meticulously planned Friday's (Dec. 19) Taipei rampage since mid-year, spending over NT$5,700 (around US$181) on hotel stays and changing outfits five times to evade capture. The attacks killed four people and injured 11 others across multiple locations in the capital.
Chang started Friday by setting fires on Linsen North Road, damaging two motorcycles and three cars before switching to a UBike, Taiwan's public bike-sharing system. He donned a black raincoat and carried luggage filled with gasoline and smoke bombs from his rental to Taipei Main Station (台北車站). Chang arrived at 5:23 p.m., discarded his raincoat, and launched his attack, eventually crossing through Zhongshan Underground Street (中山地下街), a major pedestrian tunnel.
Chang exited Zhongshan Underground Street (中山地下街) in his beige coat, entered a hotel, and prepared for a subsequent assault. Police investigations revealed he spent over NT$5,700 (around US$181) on hotel stays in Zhongshan District (中山區), a commercial area, and changed outfits five times to evade capture. Investigators discovered he had meticulously planned the attacks since mid-year.
Chang chose Zhongshan Station (中山站) over Ximen Station (西門站), another major metro hub, for its straight path, fewer surveillance cameras, and lack of street crossings. Police discovered detailed attack plans on Chang's tablet, using Google Maps to mark fire sites and emphasize target locations. The digital evidence revealed extensive premeditation and strategic planning of the assault routes.