Taiwan Stabbing Attacker Was a 'Lone Wolf'... "No Issues During Huwei University Years"

School Says "No Further Comments Will Be Made Regarding the Incident"

Jang Won, who caused a stabbing rampage around Taipei Station and Zhongshan Station in Taiwan, was a graduate of National Huwei University of Science and Technology. It was reported that he did not exhibit any abnormal behavior or delinquency during his school years.

Jang Won, who caused a stabbing spree around Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station in Taiwan. Screenshot from X (formerly Twitter)

On December 21, local media outlets such as United Daily News reported that Huwei University of Science and Technology stated the 27-year-old male suspect, Jang Won, who died after the stabbing rampage, graduated from the Department of Computer Science in 2020 and that his daily life and academic attitude were both normal during his time at the university. The school further stated, "After a thorough review by the academic and administrative departments, Jang Won’s academic performance and conduct while enrolled were both normal," adding, "No problematic situations were observed."

Jang Won also had no record of problematic counseling sessions and reportedly showed normal behavior in all aspects, including academics, conduct, and psychological state. However, after graduation, he did not maintain contact with faculty or students from his alma mater and was not known to have participated in any campus activities. The school emphasized that it would not make any further statements regarding this incident.

Condolences for the Taiwan stabbing incident. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Previously, on December 19, Jang Won carried out a stabbing rampage inside a department store in the area around Taipei Station and Zhongshan Station, and died after jumping from the fifth floor of the building while being pursued by police. In this incident, aside from Jang Won, three people were killed and eleven others were injured.

It was revealed that on December 16, Jang Won had scouted the crime scene in advance and, the day before the incident, inquired with the department store about how to access the rooftop. At the scene, police found 17 smoke grenades, 15 bottles of gasoline, bladed weapons, and survival game equipment. After searching Jang Won’s rented apartment in Zhongzheng District, Taipei, the hotel where he stayed before the crime, and his family home, police secured items used for making Molotov cocktails and various weapons.

Before the stabbing attack, he committed arson in the Zhongshan and Zhongzheng districts, threw smoke grenades near the subway exit at Taipei Station, and set fire to a gasoline drum. Local police had been investigating Jang Won’s earlier crimes, but he evaded pursuit by frequently changing his means of transportation and clothes.

Jang Won previously worked in security-related jobs, but was reportedly unemployed recently. He was also wanted for violating the Military Service Evasion Punishment Act as of July this year.

Meanwhile, following the incident, the Taiwanese authorities have significantly strengthened security around crowded areas and large event venues ahead of the year-end and New Year period. Security levels have also been raised at major public facilities, including railways, roads, subways, and airports.