Passengers thwart knife-wielding attacker on anniversary in Taiwanese metro

A man with a knife attacked people on a train in Taichung, Taiwan. Passengers were able to subdue him, according to officials.

This incident occurred on the same day as a tragic knife rampage on Taipei's metro ten years ago. The attack caused shock in a country known for its safety. The perpetrator was eventually executed for his actions.

Three passengers were injured in an incident in Taichung on Tuesday and were taken to the hospital, according to the city’s mayor Lu Shiow-yen who informed reporters.

The suspect, a 20-year-old male with a history of mental health issues, traveled from the southern city of Kaohsiung on Monday with his knife, as reported by the mayor.

During the incident on Tuesday, a male witness reported that a group of passengers quickly moved to restrain the attacker. They focused on holding down his arms and hands, where he still had a fruit knife in his grasp.

Meanwhile, a female witness mentioned that as they were subduing the attacker, another man intervened. He managed to pry the knife from the assailant's fingers, effectively disarming him.

Some witnesses expressed frustration with the metro staff for their slow response to the incident.

A male witness shared his experience, stating that the train was about 60 to 70 percent full during the attack. He mentioned attempting to push the emergency button multiple times without any response. Additionally, he noticed that the light on the machine was not even on.

He said he saw the attacker holding a cooking knife and later noticed a fruit knife on the floor.

The incident occurred on the ten-year anniversary of a previous stabbing attack in the Taipei metro that resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left over twenty injured. The attacker was subsequently executed in 2016 after a swift decision made by the justice minister at that time.

Violent crimes are not common in the self-governing democratic island. In fact, it was ranked as the 33rd most peaceful state or territory in the Global Peace Index last year, out of a total of 163 places worldwide.

Editor's P/S:

The recent knife attack in Taichung, Taiwan, is a sobering reminder of the ever-present threat of violence, even in societies known for their safety. While the passengers' swift response to subdue the attacker is commendable, it also highlights the need for improved emergency response protocols. The malfunctioning emergency button during the incident is particularly concerning and should prompt a thorough review of safety measures.

The incident's occurrence on the anniversary of the tragic Taipei metro stabbing emphasizes the lasting impact of such events on communities. The execution of the perpetrator in that case raises questions about the effectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent and underscores the complex debate surrounding it. The fact that Taiwan, a country with a low crime rate, has experienced two major knife attacks within ten years is a cause for reflection on the factors that may contribute to such violence and how to prevent future tragedies.