Mother of man killed in MRT Taipei Main Station attack 'proud but heartbroken'

Taipei, Dec. 22 (CNA) The mother of Yu Chia-chang (余家昶), who died trying to stop an attack in MRT Taipei Main Station, said Monday she was proud of her son but the loss had left her "heartbroken."

Yu, 57, a Taoyuan resident, was seriously wounded and later died after trying to stop Chang Wen (張文), a 27-year-old man who threw smoke bombs and stabbed bystanders inside MRT Taipei Main Station and near MRT Zhongshan Station on Friday night.

Yu's brave actions prevented multiple explosive devices from being detonated and prevented further casualties, according to Taipei Rapid Transit Corp.

Chang's attacks left four people dead, including himself, and injured at least 11 others.

During a press interview, Yu's mother, surnamed Huang (黃), said it was a comfort to know that her son had saved many people, though she remained deeply saddened and "heartbroken" at losing her son.

Now in her 80s, Huang said relatives and friends initially withheld the news out of concern that she would be overwhelmed by grief.

Describing her son's routine, she said Yu texted her every morning to say good morning and usually returned home from Taoyuan by 6:30 p.m. every Saturday. Her concern grew when he neither came home nor called to explain his absence that weekend.

She said she feared the worst after seeing news reports describing a victim surnamed Yu, 57, who worked in finance, and called her daughter-in-law to confirm the information.

Huang added that Yu's father had served in the military and that the couple had raised their sons with strict discipline.

She described Yu as a devoted son who had shown courage and a strong sense of responsibility from a young age.

Asked how others could help her, she said there was no need and that she can take care of herself.

Also Monday, the Legislative Yuan's Internal Administration Committee adopted a motion calling for Yu to be enshrined at the Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine.

Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) told lawmakers that the ministry will offer "full support" and respect his family's wishes on the procedures.