On December 20, 2025, a tragic incident occurred on the Taipei Metro where a man named Zhang Wen deliberately attacked random individuals, resulting in 4 deaths and 11 injuries. One of the victims, a 57-year-old man surnamed Yu, lost his life while attempting to stop Zhang Wen. Taipei Mayor Jiang Wan’an announced that Mr. Yu, who displayed brave actions, will be compensated generously for his courageous act. A compensation of 5 million New Taiwan Dollars has been confirmed for him.
The 27-year-old perpetrator, Zhang Wen, carried out the random attacks and fled, eventually evading the police and committing suicide by jumping from a building. During the incident at the M7 exit of Taipei Main Station, Mr. Yu bravely intervened to stop Zhang Wen from throwing a smoke bomb, but tragically suffered fatal injuries to his left lung and heart, ultimately succumbing to them despite medical efforts.
Prime Minister of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Cho Jung-tai, rushed to the scene of the Taipei Metro incident on the evening of the 19th to receive a briefing. He later visited a police station and Taipei General Hospital to check on the injured and express his condolences to the family of Mr. Yu, the deceased.
Today, Cho Jung-tai and President Lai Ching-teh visited the police bureau to receive a report. Cho Jung-tai emphasized that starting from 3:40 pm on the 19th, Zhang Wen had been burning motorcycles on Linsen North Road and Chang’an East Road. He questioned why the police, who should have had information on the perpetrator, allowed him to continue his criminal acts. The Prime Minister highlighted the necessity for swift action by the authorities and stated that the police bureau is currently addressing the issue.
Cho Jung-tai mentioned that he walked from Shuanglian Station to Zhongshan Station on the Taipei Metro, observing police presence along the way. However, he emphasized the importance of strategic planning by the police to ensure an evenly distributed police presence rather than concentrating officers in specific areas.
He praised Mr. Yu for sacrificing himself to prevent the assailant and acknowledged the courageous actions of the employees of Taipei Metro who risked their lives to protect others. Cho Jung-tai expressed the government’s gratitude and the people’s respect for such selfless acts of heroism.
Mayor Jiang Wan’an called for the police department to enhance city-wide security measures and patrol mechanisms, mobilizing 70 officers daily at metro stations and requesting 85 additional officers from the Ministry of the Interior to support the efforts, thereby increasing police visibility. Following the incident, Taipei Metro immediately implemented enhanced security measures at all stations, bolstering patrols, and establishing real-time communication systems between the control center and the police to ensure efficient response and information flow.
Jiang Wan’an announced today that Mr. Yu, aged 57, who displayed bravery near the M7 exit of Taipei Main Station on the 19th by assisting in restraining the suspect Zhang Wen, will also receive compassionate compensation and a confirmed travel insurance compensation of 5 million NTD for passengers transported.
Chairman Zhao Shaolian of Taipei Metro expressed deep gratitude towards Mr. Yu for his courageous act, emphasizing that his intervention prevented further casualties by removing explosive materials from the scene. Taipei Metro will commend his heroic behavior. Additionally, near the M7 exit of Taipei Main Station, an employee surnamed Liu proactively assisted in firefighting efforts upon noticing smoke, resulting in inhalation injuries, and will also be commended and honored.