Judy Chu: “Eight lives were lost in Georgia this week when a gunman targeted three Asian-owned businesses. Six of these victims…”

“Eight lives were lost in Georgia this week when a gunman targeted three Asian-owned businesses. Six of these victims were Asian-American women. I am heartbroken for all these lost souls, and I am heartbroken because this is just one of the latest in a string of attacks that have created fear throughout the Asian-American community. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, there have been over 3,800 reported anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents. What started off as dirty looks and verbal assault has escalated into physical attacks that have become increasingly deadly. There was Vicha Ratanapakdee, an 84-year old man who died after being assaulted outside of his home, and Noel Quintana, whose face was slashed from ear to ear on a New York subway. These attacks have been almost a daily tragedy, and they must stop. We must stand united against xenophobia and slurs like ``China virus'' and ``Kung flu,'' which we know put lives at risk, and we must work together to stop Asian hate. ____________________”