CAPAC Chair Praises Biden for Condemning Anti-Asian Violence in COVID-19 Anniversary Speech

Washington, D.C. — On Thursday evening, President Joe Biden gave a national address to mark the one year anniversary of the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in which he also condemned the ongoing spike in anti-Asian violence and hate speech. In just a ten month period last year, there were over 3,000 reported hate crimes and hate incidents against Asian Americans. The President specifically called out the “vicious hate crimes against Asian Americans, who have been attacked, harassed, blamed, and scapegoated.” He continued, “At this very moment, so many of them – our fellow Americans – they’re on the frontlines of this pandemic, trying to save lives, and still – still – they are forced to live in fear for their lives just walking down streets in America. It’s wrong, it’s un-American, and it must stop.” Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu issued the following statement:

“I am overwhelmed by President Biden’s powerful words last night condemning the attacks on Asian Americans. This is precisely the kind of compassion and concern that Joe Biden promised  the American people, and it means so much to hear him deliver on that promise. The coronavirus pandemic has caused incredible pain for so many who have lost jobs or loved ones. None of us have been spared. And this is especially true for Asian Americans who, as President Biden noted, have been attacked and harassed because of misinformation and xenophobia that wrongly blamed them for this virus. By including that experience in his national address, President Biden made it clear that stopping the violence against Asian Americans will be a critical component of our nation’s COVID-19 response efforts. And that leadership can make all the difference. Already, President Biden has issued a presidential memorandum to condemn and combat racism, xenophobia and intolerance against AAPIs and has committed to working with the AAPI community to better track and address these hate incidents. And by speaking out, he is saving lives by helping to douse the flames of xenophobia and anger. I am grateful to President Biden for his work to bring our country together and prioritize the health and safety of all Americans as we work to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. It makes a tremendous difference to have a president who works to stop hate crimes instead of inspiring them.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.