Taiwan steps up crackdown on threats after Taipei knife attack

Taipei, Dec. 22 (CNA) Taiwanese authorities have detained several suspects in recent days for violent acts and making threats, stepping up efforts to prevent copycat attacks after a deadly stabbing spree in Taipei on Friday.

In New Taipei's Sanxia District, a man surnamed Lu (呂) was ordered detained Monday after allegedly entering a gas station armed with two kitchen knives and splashing flammable liquid on Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

Police said Lu began slashing at passing vehicles at around 2 p.m. before storming into the gas station, threatening staff and splashing an unidentified flammable substance.

About 10 officers were dispatched to the scene and subdued him after he refused orders to drop the weapons.

Lu suffered a minor arm injury during the struggle and was treated at a hospital before being transferred to prosecutors, police said.

Following questioning late Sunday, prosecutors said he is suspected of attempted arson of an occupied building, threatening the public and endangering public safety.

Citing the risk of flight and repeat offenses, they sought Lu's detention, which was approved by the New Taipei District Court on Monday morning.

In a separate case, another New Taipei man, surnamed Chiu (邱), was detained Sunday after allegedly shouting "I have a gun" outside Sanmin Senior High School Station on the Taipei Metro in Luzhou District on Saturday morning.

Police intervened to prevent panic, and Chiu allegedly assaulted an officer during questioning, injuring the officer's hand.

Prosecutors said he faces charges including threatening the public, obstructing public duties and causing bodily harm.

Authorities are also intensifying action against online threats.

Taichung prosecutors said a 43-year-old man surnamed Chang (張) was ordered detained and held incommunicado on Monday after allegedly posting comments on social media platform Threads referencing a large-scale random killing plan on Saturday.

Investigators searched his home in Taichung's Qingshui District and seized his mobile phone for digital analysis on Sunday morning.

Authorities launched the crackdown following an indiscriminate knife attack late Friday near Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan MRT Station that left four people dead, including the suspect, 27-year-old Chang Wen (張文).

The Criminal Investigation Bureau said Sunday that about 20 online posts involving threats or calls for indiscriminate attacks had been identified nationwide as of noon on Sunday.

Police and prosecutors warned that any acts threatening public safety, whether online or offline, will be dealt with swiftly.