Police in Taipei are on high alert after a series of violent incidents struck major transit hubs on Friday evening. 

According to authorities, an unidentified assailant threw smoke bombs and injured several people at Taipei Main Station at around 5:30 p.m. Within the same hour, another knife attack occurred at the nearby MRT Zhongshan Station. Both stations were crowded with commuters during the evening rush hour when the incidents took place. 

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) responded on social media, urging the public to remain calm if they are at train stations or other crowded places. He advised people to follow instructions from on-site law enforcement and immediately report any suspicious situations to police or station staff.

Speaking to reporters, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said a random smoke bombing incident occurred earlier in the evening at MRT Taipei Main Station, leaving one person seriously injured and another suffering from smoke inhalation. The suspect then moved north, where additional attacks took place at the Eslite Nanxi shopping complex near the MRT Zhongshan Station, resulting in three people seriously injured and four others with minor injuries.

Authorities believe the assailant may have later fallen from a height, possibly in an attempt to evade arrest.

MRT services have since resumed normal operations. However, Chiang emphasized that security measures and patrols across the metro system remain heightened. He added that the city government will release further information to the public as soon as it becomes available.

The story is developing.