Governor Northam Statement on Rise in Violence Against Asian Americans

The following statement was issued Wednesday from Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s office…..

“We are grieving with the Asian American community and all of the victims of the horrific shootings in Atlanta last night that took eight lives, six of whom were women of Asian descent. This is the latest in a series of heinous attacks against Asian Americans across this nation, but sadly these are not isolated events. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen a disturbing rise in inflammatory and xenophobic rhetoric, harassment, and violence against Asian American communities.

“Hate and bigotry have no place in our Commonwealth or country. We all have a responsibility to condemn these racist acts and make clear that this is not who we are as Virginians, or as Americans.

“We will continue to ensure that Virginia is a place where all people are welcome and our diversity is celebrated. We stand in solidarity with members of the Asian American community and those facing discrimination, hate incidents, fear, and intimidation. We must do everything in our power to make their safety a priority and to stand against all forms of injustice.”

Background:

-Washington Post: Asian Americans in Atlanta stunned by shootings as advocates demand action: ‘Everyone has heard enough words’

-USA Today: Atlanta spa shootings increase fear in Asian communities amid increase in violence, hate incidents

-LA Times: Trump and the GOP put a bull’s-eye on the backs of Asian Americans

-CBS News: “It’s wrong, it’s un-American and it must stop”: Biden condemns rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans

-The Hill: House panel to hold hearing on violence against Asian Americans

-WXIA TV-11: Anti-Asian violence in the spotlight after Atlanta spa shootings

-Axios: Suspect in Georgia shootings charged with murder, assault

-Newsweek: Ted Lieu Raises Donald Trump’s ‘Kung Flu’ Rhetoric After Atlanta Spa Shootings

Background of the background:

-Newsweek (from Sept. 17, 2020): 164 Republicans Voted Against a Resolution Condemning COVID Racism Against Asian Americans