Richard Saunders, Taipei
A man armed with a knife and smoke bombs carried out a violent attack in Taipei, Taiwan, killing three individuals and injuring nine more, according to local media reports from Friday. During the evening rush hour, the suspect threw smoke bombs from an exit of a metro station and randomly stabbed bystanders. One victim reportedly died from cardiac arrest, while two others later died from their injuries. The 27-year-old assailant, who was wearing body armor and a mask, jumped from a building while fleeing from police and later died in the hospital. The suspect had an outstanding arrest warrant for not updating his residence registration and missing a draft notice. Earlier that day, he had also set fire to his home and vehicles in the vicinity before heading to the metro station.
In recent years, there has been a disturbing increase in violent attacks that stem from untreated mental health issues rather than ideologically driven terrorism. These incidents often involve individuals who struggle with severe psychological problems, leading them to commit acts of violence that shock society. While they do not conform to traditional definitions of terrorism, the unpredictability of their actions poses a significant threat to public safety. Experts emphasize the need for improved mental health care resources and support systems to prevent such tragedies. It is crucial to recognize these individuals’ struggles and address the underlying causes of their behavior, which can often be ignored until they culminate in violence.
