Taipei: The family of a 57-year-old man who tragically lost his life while attempting to subdue the perpetrator of a mass stabbing spree in Taipei will be compensated with NT$5 million (US$158,584), as announced by Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an on Saturday.

According to Focus Taiwan, Mayor Chiang disclosed the compensation plan following an emergency security response meeting held on Saturday morning with city officials and representatives from relevant agencies. The meeting focused on addressing the aftermath of the incident and ensuring support for both the injured and the families of the deceased. A dedicated contact window has been established to offer psychological counseling, legal consultation, and assistance with compensation applications from the Association for Victims Support (AVS). Victims can also seek insurance claims from the Taipei Rapid Transit Corp. (TRTC) or the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi store.

The AVS, formed by the Ministry of Justice, provides crucial support to individuals injured in criminal cases and assists families of victims who have died due to criminal acts. This support includes state compensation under the Crime Victim Rights Protection Act. Mayor Chiang emphasized the heroism of the victim, identified by his last name Yu, who confronted the attacker at MRT Taipei Main Station, ensuring his family receives at least NT$5 million in compensation through TRTC’s insurance coverage.

TRTC Chairman Chao Shiao-lien expressed gratitude for Yu’s courageous actions, acknowledging that his intervention played a significant role in preventing further injuries during the attack. The tragic events of Friday resulted in four fatalities, including the perpetrator.

Lien Tang-kai, head of Taipei’s Department of Legal Affairs, stated that the department will assign a lawyer to each injured individual and to each victim’s family to facilitate insurance claims and compensation processes. In response to the incident, Mayor Chiang announced plans to enhance security measures for large-scale public events, especially the upcoming New Year’s Eve countdown party, which will include the deployment of special police units.

Authorities have been directed to heighten alert levels in crowded areas across Taipei, with increased patrols and inspections during weekends and nighttime hours. This initiative will focus on key locations such as Taipei Main Station, the Zhongshan commercial area, Ximending, and the Xinyi District, to ensure public safety and prevent any future incidents.