A disturbing incident in Taiwan has shocked the public after a 62-year-old unemployed man from Tamsui, New Taipei City, flew into a violent rage when his elderly mother refused to give him money during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The man, described by neighbours as a long-time “啃老族” (a person who lives off their parents), allegedly lost his temper after discovering that his mother had money to buy barbecue ingredients for the festive celebration but refused to hand him cash for personal use. Enraged, he reportedly threatened his family with a knife, smashed furniture in the home, and even attempted to strangle his mother during one of his violent outbursts.
Shocking Footage Reveals Violent Rampage
CCTV footage from inside the home captured the terrifying moments. The man, wielding a knife, could be seen pacing around before sweeping objects off the table and wrecking household items. The destruction was so severe that the house was left in complete disarray.
Neighbours told local media that this was not the first time the man had created chaos at home. One neighbour said, “His mother was preparing to buy food for the barbecue, and he got angry, saying she had money to buy meat but none for him. He has always been like that — lazy, unemployed, and always asking his mother for money.”
Family members confirmed that the man often demanded money from his mother, but they had no idea what he used the money for once he got it.
Police and Family Protection Officers Step In
According to police investigations, the suspect, surnamed Gao, has a criminal history and previously served five years in prison for robbery. He has reportedly shown violent tendencies toward family members before. In July this year, he assaulted his mother and other relatives, prompting the authorities to issue a protection order for the family.
The New Taipei City Domestic Violence Prevention Centre confirmed that they had been working with the family since the earlier incident. The centre’s director, Hsu Chih-Chi, said, “After the protection order was issued, we developed a safety plan with the mother and her relatives. Unfortunately, another outburst has occurred, and we will be reassessing both the safety of the mother and future arrangements for the son’s care.”
Mid-Autumn Meant for Reunion Turns into Nightmare
What was supposed to be a peaceful family reunion turned tragic and terrifying. The elderly mother, still shaken, is now under the protection of local social workers, while police continue to assess whether criminal charges will be filed against her son.
The case has sparked public debate in Taiwan over the growing issue of “啃老族” — middle-aged or elderly adults who refuse to work and depend entirely on their ageing parents. Many social commentators have called for stronger laws to protect vulnerable elderly citizens from abuse by their own children.
This disturbing case serves as a reminder of how financial dependency, mental instability, and family neglect can turn even a festive occasion into a nightmare — and why social support systems for the elderly are more critical than ever.