TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Metro Police (台北市政府警察局捷運警察隊) deployed 1,579 officers Monday (Dec. 22) after receiving a bomb threat Sunday (Dec. 21) night warning of an explosive device set to detonate at 1:30 p.m. Monday. The Taipei Metro Company (台北捷運公司), the capital's subway operator, immediately enhanced inspections across all stations following the 10:40 p.m. Sunday threat.
Police intensified patrols across platforms, lobbies, restrooms, and carriages, searching for suspicious items or individuals throughout the metro system. The operations control center notified all stations to enhance inspections and remain vigilant immediately after receiving the security alert. Metro staff and security personnel conducted joint patrols, focusing especially on 12 key transfer stations across the capital.
The metro system contributed 320 officers to bolster security alongside the 1,579 police officers deployed throughout the city. Authorities increased inspection frequencies at Taipei Main Station (台北車站), Zhongshan Station (中山站), and transfer stations to ensure passenger safety. The coordinated response involved station staff and security personnel conducting systematic searches across the entire network.
The heightened alert follows Friday's (Dec. 19) attack when Chang Wen (張文) threw smoke bombs and attacked people with a knife near Taipei Main Station (台北車站) and Zhongshan Station (中山站). The incident killed four people and injured multiple others, drawing nationwide attention. Authorities have strengthened security measures across the metro system in response to the violence. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.5)