TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In the wake of a violent incident on the Taichung Metro (台中捷運) on Tuesday (May 21), Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) has publicly thanked President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) for his immediate condemnation of the violence and for showing concern for Taichung.
The attack, carried out by a man from Kaohsiung, has drawn widespread attention and sparked a debate over the response of the metro staff and police.
Mayor Lu criticized the harsh backlash against the metro staff and police from a minority of people, stating it was a blow to those handling the situation.
Meanwhile, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) councilors Tsai Yao-chieh (蔡耀頡) and Lee Ten-sheng (李天生) questioned the speed of the Taichung Mass Rapid Transit Corporation's response and suggested that the Director of Transportation, Yeh Chao-fu (葉昭甫), should resign.
Despite the criticisms, Lu emphasized that the Taichung City Government is committed to learning from and improving upon its handling of any incident, asserting that the response was fundamentally sound despite minor flaws.
Lu pointed out that the perpetrator came from Kaohsiung to commit the crime in Taichung, a situation the city could not have prevented.
However, she affirmed the rapid response of the metro staff and the metro police. The mayor's remarks underscore a commitment to public safety and continuous improvement in crisis management. As the city reflects on this incident, the emphasis remains on learning and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of its emergency responses.