CNN reports that the FBI have expressed concern about hate crimes towards Asian Americans amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
FBI Director Christopher Wray wrote in a letter that the agency is “concerned about the potential for hate crimes by individuals and groups targeting minority populations in the United States who they believe are responsible for the spread of the virus.”
Earlier this month group of men were seen spitting at the front-door of a house belonging to Asian Americans.
Also this month, New York restaurant Jeju Noodle Bar was graffitied with “stop eating dogs”.
Rep Judy Chu recently revealed there are 100 incidents of targeted racial hate a day towards Asian Americans as a consequence of Coronavirus racism.
“The FBI assesses hate crime incidents against Asian Americans likely will surge across the United States, due to the spread of coronavirus disease … endangering Asian American communities,” according to the FBI intelligence report.
“The FBI makes this assessment based on the assumption that a portion of the US public will associate COVID-19 with China and Asian American populations.”
Wray stated in his letter that the FBI continues to investigate potential Covid-19 related hate crimes.
“We’ll stay focused on these kinds of investigations,” Wray wrote, “and we welcome any referrals your agency might have on similar incidents.”
An FBI spokesperson added, “as part of the continuous dialogue with our law enforcement partners, the FBI routinely shares information about potential threats to better enable law enforcement to protect the communities they serve. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
In related news, Canadian sportswear brand Lululemon has issued an apology after an employee promoted a racist Coronavirus-related T-shirt.
