Taipei is known as one of the safest cities, with Taiwan itself ranking as one of the safest countries in the world. However, on the evening of 19 December 2025, the usually quiet metropolis was shattered by a horrendous act of public violence that left three people dead and nine others injured.
A terrifying scene unfolded in Taiwan's capital as a man armed with a long blade and smoke grenades launched an attack on packed public spaces. According to BBC News, the attack occurred at around 17:20 (09:20 GMT), at the height of the busy evening rush hour.
