Shen wears bulletproof vest and ramps security as elections approach

Shen wears bulletproof vest and ramps security as elections approach

2026-10-28

As the local elections draw near, candidates continue to canvass the streets and appeal to as many people as they can, all the while security measures ramp up. Supporters recently saw Puma Shen’s canvassing vehicle outfitted with bulletproof glass. The Taipei mayoral candidate also claimed he wears a bulletproof vest during outdoor activities. Lee Wen-chang, Deputy Director of the National Police Agency, also stated that they have received intelligence that put candidates at risk.

DPP’s mayoral candidate for Taipei, Puma Shen continues to canvass in the streets. He even showed up in Hsinchu to help, but fans couldn’t miss the bulletproof glass on the vehicle or the bulletproof vest that Shen wore. It seems that security measures have tightened.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
Usually, when people wear a bulletproof vest, it’s because they are on the move and there’s a lot of people they don’t know. In occasions with a lot of movement, planning for adequate safety measures is complicated, so in these scenarios you wear a vest.

The O’Shen wave was embraced from behind bulletproof glass. The KMT seemingly tried to turn the issue into a campaign against Shen, but the National Police Agency has confirmed that they received intelligence regarding Shen’s security.

Hung Meng-kai
Legislator (KMT)
So ultimately was there any intelligence that was harmful to the candidate?

Lee Wen-chang
Deputy Director of the National Police Agency
Currently, we cannot publicly reveal the specific candidates or the progress of the investigation. This part was controlled.

While campaigning outdoors, candidate safety and proper security details are very important. Selection procedures for bodyguards are rigorous; they must have clean records with no demerits within 5 years and no disciplinary actions within 3 years. Shen has 2 bodyguards and 4 police officers on rotation for every outdoor activity. There are nearly 20,000 candidates across Taiwan and around 169 reported bodyguards. For candidates running for commissioners, mayors or councilors, it is normal to have 1 to 2 bodyguards each. If they receive any threats, the number of guards is adjusted.

Chen Chong-guang
Taiwanese Bodyguard School Instructor
Most of the time if there’s an incident outdoors, or if they receive a threat, they will need to evacuate the area secretly. Bodyguards must be skilled in Taekwondo or MMA. The worst thing is to be nervous. There needs to be a good understanding with the candidates.

When candidates are canvassing on the streets, bodyguards remain alert and focused; the core principle is to not let candidates come in harm’s way.

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