APABA Statement on the Violent Tragedy in Atlanta and Stop AAPI Hate

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

Los Angeles, CA - The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County ("APABA") expresses its deepest condolences to the friends, families, and the communities of the victims in the senseless and abhorrent attack in Atlanta, Georgia. 

APABA strongly condemns the act of violence in Atlanta and the appalling and continuing rise of hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) across our nation. Recent events continue to serve as a grim reminder that anti-Asian sentiments always lead to tragic consequences in our history, from the Chinese Exclusion Act, to the Japanese American internment in World War II, to the murder of Detroit autoworker Vincent Chin more than 35 years ago, to the deadly attack on 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee in San Francisco last month, to the latest tragedy in Atlanta, and more. 

APABA stands in solidarity against xenophobia, hate, and violence perpetrated on AAPIs. We continue to urge our leaders at all levels to work swiftly in combating discrimination, fostering inclusion, and promoting equity and justice in our communities.

We urge anyone who have been a victim of or witness to discrimination and harassment to report the incident to local authorities and to StopAAPIHate.