Man with Suspected Explosive Device Enters Taiwan Speaker's Office

A 53-year-old man, Wu Li-jen, caused a disturbance by entering the New Taipei City Council Speaker Chiang Ken-huang's service office carrying a bag containing what appeared to be an explosive device. The incident occurred yesterday morning at Chiang's office in Xinzhuang District.

Upon entering, Wu reportedly remained silent. A local construction businessman present at the office recognized Wu, whom he stated had a history of harassment and demands for money. The businessman, along with the speaker's security detail, immediately intervened, restraining Wu and alerting the police.

During the confrontation, Wu's hand was seen reaching into the bag, leading to fears he intended to use the device for intimidation or extortion. Police arrived promptly, securing the scene and evacuating Speaker Chiang as a precautionary measure. The Criminal Investigation Bureau's bomb squad was dispatched to handle the suspicious package.

After careful removal and examination, the device was identified as being constructed from fireworks wrapped with electrical wiring. While it did not pose an immediate detonation risk, authorities are still assessing its potential lethality. Wu has been handed over to prosecutors on charges including intimidation, firearms violations, and endangering public safety, with a request for pre-trial detention.

“

The suspect had a history of harassing him and asking for money. When he refused to provide financial assistance, the suspect began causing trouble.