Taipei knife attack: Pride and heartbreak as mother mourns son who died trying to stop assailant

According to local news reports, Huang said relatives and friends initially withheld news of her son’s death, concerned she would be overwhelmed by grief. She was only informed on Monday.

Huang said she was “proud” of her son for his valiant act, adding that Yu had developed a “righteous spirit and a helpful nature” at a young age, influenced by his father, who served in the military.

“But as a mother, my heart hurts,” she said, breaking down in tears.

Lawmakers have moved to formally recognise Yu’s conduct with a posthumous honour.

On Monday, Taiwan’s legislature’s Internal Administration Committee passed a motion calling for Yu to be enshrined at the Taoyuan Martyrs’ Shrine.

The motion cited Yu’s actions in confronting the attacker, saying his intervention helped prevent further casualties, the Taipei Times reported.

Separately, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said the Taipei City Government will posthumously commend Yu for his bravery.

The city government will also assist Yu’s family in applying to the central government for a presidential commendation, with the hope that Yu can be enshrined at the Taoyuan shrine, Chiang said on Dec 21.

A day earlier, Chiang said Yu’s family would receive NT$5 million (US$158,800) in compensation.

Speaking to TTV, Huang said: “(If my son) would be enshrined at the Martyrs’ Shrine, I would be very happy.”