At least four people died in a rare mass stabbing in central Taipei on Friday evening. The suspect, a 27-year-old man from Taoyuan, used smoke grenades to cause chaos before stabbing victims in crowded areas. Several people were injured in the attack. The attacker died after falling from a building during a police chase through a busy shopping district. The incident began inside Taipei Main station with smoke grenades thrown during rush hour. One victim died trying to stop the attack, said Taipei mayor Chiang Wan-an. The suspect was reportedly an air force volunteer discharged in 2022. Taiwan's premier, Cho Jung-tai, said the attacker had a prior criminal record and warrants, including for skipping military service. The motive remains unknown, but Cho called it a "deliberate attack." President Lai Ching-te promised increased security and "no leniency." Video clips show the attacker in a black T-shirt and mask throwing smoke grenades and slashing people with knives near Zhongshan subway and inside Taipei Main station. Locals described a terrifying scene filled with smoke and panic as people sought shelter. Violent crime is rare in Taiwan, but past metro stabbings have sparked safety fears. Smoke grenades used are replica US military items meant for legal outdoor uses. The online store selling them was taken down after the attack. Sellers reported no unusual sales before the incident. Authorities continue investigating the case.