Taiwan’s anti-terrorism team targets potential copycats

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office (新北地檢署), a regional prosecution agency, launched Monday (Dec. 22) a task force to prevent imitation attacks following Friday's deadly incident near Taipei Main Station where Chang Wen (張文) killed three people and injured multiple others before dying. The Taiwan High Prosecutors Office (台灣高等檢察署), Taiwan's appellate prosecution authority, ordered all district offices to coordinate with a newly established anti-terrorism response team.

Online threats and reports of erratic behavior emerged following the incident, causing public anxiety across Taiwan. Chief Prosecutor Chang Tou-hui (張斗輝) instructed district prosecutors offices to handle cases involving threats to public safety in coordination with the anti-terrorism team. The team will act swiftly to prevent the spread of fear and imitation acts.

The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office (新北地檢署) appointed a special unit to work closely with judicial police agencies, ensuring real-time information sharing. The office took strict measures in recent cases, including Saturday's (Dec. 20) incident at Luzhou District's (蘆洲區), a New Taipei district, MRT station where a man shouted threats. Another case involved a man with a knife at a gas station in Sanxia District (三峽區), another New Taipei district.

The court approved detention of the two suspects involved, illustrating the office's commitment to maintaining public safety. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The anti-terrorism response team will continue to closely monitor the situation, aiming to reassure citizens and prevent further incidents. ◼