TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) pledged NT$11 million (around US$349,206) Monday (Dec. 22) to the family of Yu Chia-chang (余家昶), who died confronting a knife attacker Friday (Dec. 19) near Taipei Main Station (台北車站). The Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, convened to debate national honors for Yu's heroic sacrifice. Yu, a 57-year-old Taoyuan resident, died attempting to stop 27-year-old assailant Chang Wen (張文).
Chiang pledged NT$6 million (around US$190,476) as a pension plus NT$5 million (around US$158,730) under the Taipei City Ordinance for Citizens Assisting Police in Arresting Criminals (台北市民協助警方逮捕嫌犯自治條例), a municipal law rewarding extreme bravery. Chiang suggested enshrining Yu at the Martyrs' Shrine (忠烈祠), a national memorial honoring fallen heroes. Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang (劉世芳) agreed in principle but stated the ministry had yet to receive a formal application.
Liu emphasized the need for consultations with the Taoyuan City Government, which committed to assisting Yu's family in gaining national recognition. The Taoyuan City Government stated that enshrinement at the Martyrs' Shrine (忠烈祠) requires national approval but pledged to support Yu's family in seeking recognition. Officials will respect the family's wishes regarding honors and memorialization.
Chiang separately suggested expanding cell broadcast alerts, currently limited to natural disasters, to cover public safety emergencies like random attacks. Liu noted that implementing such expansion requires discussions with the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, and related government agencies. The proposal aims to improve public warning systems during violent incidents. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.5)
