AAPI Victory Fund Condemns Hate-Based Shootings

By Jessel Thomas First Posted: May 16, 2022 11:24 PM EDT

The AAPI Victory Fund condemns the senseless hate-based shootings that continue unabated, including the recent Buffalo mass shooting, the shooting of three Korean American women in Dallas, as well as a series of other incidents in Dallas targeting Asian-owned businesses, and calls for racial healing and political action to address this epidemic.

(Photo: Fireside Campaigns)

AAPI Victory Fund Vice Chair Bel Leong-Hong issued the following statement:

"The call for comprehensive legislative changes must continue. Meanwhile, we urge the use of all tools currently available to include prosecution of hate crimes to the fullest extent of the law. We also call for increased monitoring in social media of domestic terrorrism.

"To combat this increasing trend of hateful words and actions, we must create a united front against hatred directed at the AAPIs, Blacks, Latinos, LGBTQs, Native Americans, and Women."

AAPI Victory Fund Board Member Arshi Siddiqui issued the following statement:

"No community is exempt from gun violence and we cannot afford to let hatred and violence win the day. The AAPI community stands in solidarity with the Black community and countless communities across the country that are left to rebuild in the wake of these senseless acts of violence.

"In our own neighborhoods, racially-motivated shootings have cast a shadow over daily life for both young and old, highlighting the need for a return to civility and community in political rhetoric, along with real legislative changes in Washington."

AAPI Victory Fund President & CEO Brad Jenkins issued the following statement:

"Today, our AAPI community mourns with the family of the victims, the Buffalo community and the Black community.

"Again, loved ones have been taken from us too soon due to racially motivated attacks against communities of color. We call for legal action to pursue the attack as a hate crime, and to address why and how the shooter was able to easily access such a dangerous weapon. Additionally, we call for political action, addressing the underlying currents of this violence and targeting of Black communities."