TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A passenger who helped subdue a knife attacker on the Taichung Metro said his favorite anime character inspired him.
On May 21, a 20-year-old man surnamed Hung (洪) allegedly stabbed two passengers on a train near Taichung City Hall Station. He was subdued with the collective effort of 17 passengers, reported SET News.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) on Tuesday (June 4) honored nine passengers who were able to attend a ceremony. They received rewards ranging from NT$5,000 (US$155) to NT$20,000 and a free lifetime pass for the Taichung MRT.
Hsu Jui-hsien (許瑞顯), dubbed by netizens “Long-haired Brother” for his long ponytail, attended the ceremony wearing a cosplay costume from the Japanese video game “Monster Hunter,” reported China Times. Hsu described himself as “Otaku” (recluse obsessed with manga and anime) but said the stereotype is not what people imagine. "Otakus aren't as bad as everyone thinks," he said.
Hsu said after the 2014 Taipei Metro attack by a student who played violent video games, some people stigmatized Otakus. On Tuesday, Hsu said he deliberately wore something that “insiders would understand" to clear misconceptions.
When Hsu accepted his award, he quoted the line, "If Himmel was there, he would’ve done the same thing" from the Japanese manga and anime series “Frieren: Beyond Journey's End." Himmel is the series' human hero who is a skilled swordsman, known for his bravery and selflessness.
Hsu said this line serves as his motto, and he would make the same choice again. He also wore the shoes he wore on the day of the attack, which still had bloodstains on them.
During the incident, Hsu fought with Hung, who was carrying three knives, and momentarily disarmed him. Despite being injured, he continued to wrestle with the assailant to prevent further harm to other passengers.
On Tuesday, he received an NT$20,000 reward from the mayor, per SET News.
A man in his 60s surnamed Wang (王) rushed forward at the start of the attack and wrestled the first knife, a meat cleaver, from Hung. He was also awarded NT$20,000.
A man surnamed Lai (賴), initially attacked the wrong person (Hsu) with his umbrella but realized his mistake and helped subdue Hung. Lai received an NT$20,000 reward too.
After the assailant broke free from Hsu and Lai, a man surnamed Hsiao (蕭) pinned Hung against the door, held down Hung's knife-wielding arm, and restrained him. He was also awarded NT$20,000.
Ms. Liu (劉) seized a knife from Hung when he was pinned against the door, earning a NT$8,000 reward. A foreigner named Kelly also helped restrain Hung and was awarded NT$8,000.
A man surnamed Huang (黃) recorded the incident and assisted police in their investigation, earning a NT$5,000 reward. Two women surnamed Kao (高) and Liu (劉) helped maintain order at the scene and were each handed NT$5,000.
The city government identified 17 passengers who had assisted during the incident. Among them, 14 were Taiwanese citizens, and three were foreign nationals.
Of the foreign passengers, two were tourists who have since left Taiwan, while Kelly is a long-term resident of Taichung. The city expressed gratitude and commendation to the people involved.
