TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior said Sunday that major events leading up to the Lunar New Year will have enhanced security.

The ministry said local police bureaus plan to strengthen security for 137 major events taking place through New Year’s and in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year, per CNA. This includes deploying 17,295 police and civilian personnel to enhance visibility and deterrence.

To prevent copycat crimes, the National Police Agency is requiring units to notify jurisdictions of threats and strengthen operations. Special task forces have been set up, with technical support from the Criminal Investigation Bureau, to accelerate case resolution.

As of 7 p.m. Sunday, 20 reports of potential online threats related to major events are being investigated. Three suspects have been apprehended.

On Friday evening, an incident involving smoke grenades and knife attacks occurred in Taipei, resulting in four deaths and 11 injuries. The suspect, Chang Wen (張文), ultimately fell to his death from the rooftop of Eslite Spectrum Nanxi.

The ministry said many citizens acted heroically, including 57-year-old Mr. Yu (余), who died trying to stop Chang. While mourning these losses, it urged the public to prioritize personal safety, noting that helping others and self-protection are equally important.

It said it issued its strictest warning against online statements or actions encouraging copycats. The ministry said investigations into potential threats and attacks leave no room for ambiguity.