Violence Against Asian Americans Draws Ire of Congressman Payne

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. released the following statement regarding the increase in racist attacks against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 global pandemic.  More than 3,000 incidents of abuse against Asian Americans were reported between March and December 2020, according to Asian American advocacy groups.

“I want to condemn the abuse and assault that has happened to Asian Americans during his pandemic in the strongest words possible,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.  “Hate and violence have no place in America at all.  These attacks must stop because they are cowardly attempts to scapegoat and blame Americans for a pandemic that started thousands of miles away.  Thankfully, we have a president who supports diversity and will protect all Americans in his language and his actions.  It is time for us to come together as a country and that includes all Americans.”

There were only 216 reported cases of abuse against Asian Americans in 2019. according to statistics from the FBI.