APABA Condemns the Rise in Attacks on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

CONTACT: Arnold Lee, arnoldlee.apaba@gmail.com

Los Angeles, CA - The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA) strongly condemns the appalling rise in violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in California and across the nation.

The series of recent assaults on the Asian American elderly in Oakland and the deadly attack on 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee in San Francisco scratch only the surface of the widespread anti-AAPI sentiment and xenophobia fueled by misinformation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. These sickening and disheartening attacks have no place anywhere in America.

As a nation of immigrants, diversity is the strength of America. APABA commends President Joe Biden's recent signing of the Memorandum condemning and combating racism against AAPIs in the United States, a major first step in addressing this issue. We urge our leaders at all levels to work swiftly to fight discrimination against the AAPI community and further promote inclusion and equity in our communities.