83-Year-Old Korean American Grandma Faints After 'Random Assault' in US... "Surge in Anti-Asian Hate Crimes"

Increase in 'Racial Hate Crimes' Against Asians Since COVID-19

Protesters are gathering around the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo, a Japantown in Los Angeles, USA, condemning hate crimes against Asians. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hanah Na] Amid growing awareness of racial discrimination, a 'random assault' incident occurred in New York, targeting a Korean American grandmother.

According to the American daily The Washington Post, the White Plains Police Department in New York arrested Glenmore Nemburd (40) on the 11th on charges of spitting on and indiscriminately punching an 83-year-old Korean American woman.

According to the police, Nemburd suddenly assaulted the victim, who was visiting a shopping area on the 9th, without any clear reason. The victim hit her head on the ground and lost consciousness.

The police stated that the perpetrator Nemburd is homeless and has been arrested by the police at least four times. Nemburd, who is charged with second-degree assault, could face up to seven years in prison if convicted.

In an interview with ABC News, the victim said, "At the time, I was collecting empty bottles and cans near the department store," and added, "Even though I was bleeding after the assault, I could not go to the hospital because of the medical expenses."

The prosecutor emphasized the hate crime charge, saying, "Hate crimes affect everyone and create an atmosphere of fear," and added, "Even if you are not the victim, you should report hate crimes if you witness them."

The Washington Post pointed out that hate crimes targeting Asian Americans are occurring frequently across the United States, and this incident is one of the most recent significant cases.

According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism in the United States, hate crimes against Asian Americans in major U.S. cities have intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing by 149% compared to the previous year as of last year.

Also, the number of reported racial hate crimes against Asians in New York City was 28 last year, a significant increase from 3 cases in 2019. Considering that racial hate crimes across the U.S. decreased by about 7%, the severity of attacks against Asians stands out.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden urged on the 11th, "Since COVID-19, vicious hate crimes targeting Asian Americans have been occurring," and said, "This is un-American. It must stop immediately."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.