Precinct chief addresses public concerns over Taipei stabbing response

Taipei, Dec. 21 (CNA) The head of a local police precinct on Sunday addressed public concerns over why some officers responding to Friday's deadly attacks in Taipei were not armed, saying decisions were made under extreme uncertainty and time pressure.

Some officers arrived without firearms because they had just gone off duty and did not have time to collect equipment, Zhongshan First Police Station Chief Lee Hsin-hung (李欣鴻) told a news conference.

Of the seven officers who pursued the attacker, three were armed, while two had just finished their shifts and two others were returning from other assignments.

Despite this, the off-duty officers did not hesitate and ran to the scene on foot to help protect the public, Lee said.

The attacks occurred Friday evening at MRT Taipei Main Station and near MRT Zhongshan Station, where a 27-year-old man, Chang Wen (張文), launched a series of assaults involving smoke grenades and a knife, leaving four people dead, including himself, and at least 11 others injured.

Responding to criticism over why officers waited about 40 seconds before entering the rooftop of the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store near MRT Zhongshan Station, Lee said the situation was chaotic and visibility was poor.

At the time, no one knew where the suspect was or whether he was lying in wait, Lee said. Despite the uncertainty, officers decided within 40 seconds to move outside and continue the search, worried that delaying could lead to more casualties.

"Making that kind of call in just 40 seconds takes a great deal of courage," Lee said.

The attacker eventually fell to his death from the six-story department store's roof while being pursued by police.

Lee also asked the public and media to show understanding and support, saying police officers face unpredictable danger every day.

"Every police officer has the same courage and the same desire to protect the public," Lee said, becoming visibly emotional and at times choking back tears.

"Respect should not be reserved only for officers who die in the line of duty. This was not the first time police - or I - have faced a knife attack, but each time, officers respond with the same courage and belief in protecting civilians."

Meanwhile, the National Police Agency said they will review and strengthen layered security measures at locations where large crowds gather to improve coordination, response procedures and on-site protection.