Man in Taiwan who died stopping Taipei knife attacker to be honoured as martyr
Taiwanese authorities are moving to posthumously honor a 57-year-old man who lost his life while trying to stop a knife-wielding attacker during a deadly rampage at Taipei Metro stations, as investigations reveal the attack was carefully planned months in advance.
- A 57-year-old man died after bravely confronting a knife-wielding attacker during a deadly rampage at Taipei Metro stations.
- Taipei and Taoyuan authorities are seeking to honor him at Taiwan’s Martyrs’ Shrine for sacrificing his life to protect others.
- Investigations indicate the attacker carefully planned the assault months in advance, drawing inspiration from past mass stabbings.
TAIWAN: A series of violent attacks erupted on 19 December 2025 evening at MRT Taipei Main Station and near MRT Zhongshan Station, leaving four people dead — including the attacker himself — and at least 11 others injured.
Police said the suspect, a 27-year-old man surnamed Chang Wen (張文), carried out the assault using a knife and smoke grenades, triggering panic in two of Taipei’s busiest transport and shopping areas.
Authorities believe Chang acted alone and are continuing investigations to establish his motive.
A Civilian’s Final Act of Courage
Among the victims was Yu Chia-chang (余家昶), a 57-year-old Taoyuan resident who attempted to stop the attacker near Exit M7 of MRT Taipei Main Station.
Yu was seriously injured during the confrontation and later succumbed to his wounds. Friends described him as warm, principled and always willing to help others, noting that he “gave his life to minimize harm to strangers.”
In recognition of his actions, the Taipei and Taoyuan city governments announced they will apply for Yu to be enshrined at Taiwan’s Martyrs’ Shrine — an honor typically reserved for those who sacrifice their lives for the public good.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said Yu will receive a posthumous commendation, and authorities will assist his family in applying for a central government citation. Victim compensation will come from multiple sources, including insurance payouts, crime victim protection funds and municipal assistance schemes.
Grief and Pride of a Mother Left Behind
Yu’s death has deeply affected his family, particularly his 80-year-old mother, who said she sensed something was wrong even before learning her son was among the victims.
She recalled seeing the news and instinctively praying to Guanyin for her son’s safety, only to later learn that he had died trying to save others.
“I am proud of him, but I no longer have a son,” she said through tears, adding that no amount of compensation could replace his life. She expressed hope that her son would be officially enshrined at the Martyrs’ Shrine, which would bring her some comfort.
Officials said civilians with exceptional acts of bravery may be considered for the honor upon approval by relevant authorities. If approved, Yu’s family could receive up to NT$12.8 million (approximately US$405,960) in combined compensation, including public bravery and MRT insurance payouts.
Public Mourning and Tributes
In the days following the attack, flowers, handwritten notes and messages of gratitude have filled the area around Exit M7 and outside Eslite Spectrum Nanxi near MRT Zhongshan Station.
One note written by a high school student thanked Yu for bringing “a gentle sense of protection” to a route students use daily.
Yu is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Friend’s Tribute on Social Media
In a Facebook post, one of Yu Chia-chang’s closest friends described him as the most trusted companion he had known for more than 15 years.
The friend recalled countless late-night conversations, calling Yu a man of modest height but immense charisma — knowledgeable, warm-hearted and always eager to help others.
He was remembered as a devoted husband and loving father who commuted daily between Taoyuan and Taipei, living a diligent and energetic life.
“He sacrificed himself to minimize the harm,” the friend wrote, lamenting the loss of a lifelong confidant and urging that Yu’s act of righteousness be widely remembered.
He added that Yu’s courage deserved to be honoured and that he was worthy of being enshrined at Taiwan’s Martyrs’ Shrine.
Investigation Points to Premeditation
Prosecutors confirmed that Chang’s body will be autopsied as part of an ongoing investigation into his background, digital footprint and financial records.
Police seized electronic devices and uncovered what appears to be a premeditated attack plan.
Investigators believe Chang had selected MRT Taipei Main Station and the Zhongshan commercial district months earlier, mapping out actions that included arson, smoke grenades and random stabbings.
Search records also showed that Chang had researched news about Cheng Chieh, the perpetrator of the 2014 Taipei Metro stabbing that killed four people. Cheng was later executed in 2016.
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