American Man Wielding Metal Rod at Korean Convenience Store Says "Go Back to China"

Published 04 Apr.2021 16:30(KST)

A man swinging a metal rod and causing a disturbance at a Korean convenience store. Photo by YouTube capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] A man wielding a metal rod entered a Korean-operated convenience store in the United States and caused a disturbance before being arrested by the police.

A local media outlet reported on the 30th of last month (local time) that a young man wearing a black hat caused chaos by wildly swinging a metal rod and breaking items at a convenience store located in Charlotte, North Carolina, operated by Seong Yeol-moon, chairman of the Korean Association.

As soon as he entered the convenience store, he abruptly knocked down a snack shelf to the floor and smashed various equipment including refrigerators and freezers. He also hurled insults at the store owners, Chairman Seong and his wife, saying, "XX Chinese, go back to your country."

The convenience store CCTV footage captured the rampage as well as startled customers hurriedly leaving the store.

Rash Woody-Silas (24), arrested as a rioter. Photo by YouTube capture

The perpetrator was identified as Rash Woody-Silas (24). He was caught by the police after taking a drink from a refrigerator he had broken. The police arrested him on charges of robbery, threats, and obstruction of official duties, and are also considering applying hate crime provisions.

The rampage caused most of the store's equipment to be damaged, resulting in an estimated loss of at least $50,000 to $60,000 (approximately 56 million to 68 million KRW).

Chairman Seong stated in an interview with Yonhap News, "This was 100% a hate crime, not a robbery," and added, "We need to publicize this issue so that Asians can respond together." He also mentioned, "During the 'metal rod rampage,' his friend was filming the scene outside, and later sexually harassed Chairman Seong's wife while she was cleaning up the mess in the store."

Concerns are growing as hate crimes against Asians have been increasing recently in the United States. Incidents include a Korean couple in their 50s being assaulted by teenagers in Washington State, an American man spitting and verbally abusing an Asian family on the New York subway, and other ongoing hate crimes targeting Asians. Additionally, on the 16th of last month, a mass shooting in Atlanta resulted in the deaths of six Asian Americans, including four Koreans.