A random attack near Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan area on Friday evening left three people dead, including the suspect, and six others injured during the rush hour.
Authorities said the suspect was a 27-year-old Taiwanese man who died after falling from a building following a police pursuit. His motive remains under investigation.
Police said the suspect first threw smoke bombs and petrol bombs at an underground passage near the M7 exit of Taipei Main Station at about 5.20pm.
He later moved about 800 metres away to Zhongshan MRT station, where he threw more smoke bombs and randomly attacked pedestrians with a knife.
Several victims suffered critical injuries. At Zhongshan station, two victims were reported to be in cardiac arrest before arriving at hospital.
The suspect later entered a nearby shopping mall, Eslite Nanxi, where he fell from a building and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
Premier Cho Jung-tai ordered police to conduct an overnight manhunt and instructed authorities nationwide to heighten security at train stations, MRT systems and airports.
President Lai Ching-te said the government would swiftly clarify the case and ensure public safety, while Taipei mayor Chiang Wan-an vowed strict legal action.
Police have activated an anti-terror response centre to determine the suspect’s motive and whether accomplices were involved.
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