LA Times reports that a San Francisco Bay Area woman has been arrested for writing Coronavirus-related racist messages to Asian Americans.
Police arrested the woman on Friday evening in the Heron Bay neighbourhood. Nancy Arechiga, 52, had handwritten notes containing“insensitive messages towards minorities”.
In one note, Arechiga wrote, “If you are a woman or man and was born in other country, return, go back to your land immediately, fast, with urgency.”
The note ended with “one American, white, brave, that serves the Nation or USA is going to live here.”
Arechiga was caught on a resident’s doorbell security camera taping the note to a residents door. Her backpack contained copies of the same note.
She was arrested “for these inappropriate messages that instilled fear and intimidation upon those residents.”
Another note was found that partially read “no Asians allowed, leave immediately.” Police are investigating whether Arechiga is responsible for that note too.
An Asian American woman who found a similar note on a tree trunk in the her neighbourhood said “reading this letter sends chills down my spine.”
“Obviously there’s been a spike in attacks against the Asian American community due to this pandemic,” she said. “It’s sad to see that.”
“We welcome people’s rights to express themselves, but not in a manner that infringes upon a community’s sense of security and well-being,” Lt. Isaac Benabou said.
Arechiga was held at Alameda County jail for committing a hate crime. She was later issued a citation and released from custody.
She is due to appear in court but the holiday weekend has delayed the setting of the date.
Hate crimes towards Asians have been rising since the outbreak of the pandemic. A report by the Human Rights Watch has shown that Coronavirus is fuelling anti-Asian hate.
Most recently, an Asian American CNN correspondent was subjected to racism whilst reporting at Myrtle Beach.
