Despite Growing Power, Asian New Yorkers Confront Unending Violence

Asian New Yorkers are experiencing a surge in political power, but at a legislative agenda breakfast meeting Thursday the epidemic of anti-Asian harassment and violence overshadowed the political gains.

Rep. Grace Meng [D-Queens] highlighted Saturday’s fatal attack on Michelle Go, an Asian American woman killed after being pushed onto subway tracks at Times Square. The accused assailant, Simon Martial, 61, has been charged with 2nd-degree murder in the incident. So far, authorities have not determined it was a racially motivated attack.

“Even though Michelle's tragedy might not necessarily be prosecuted as a hate crime, it’s still something that evokes so much fear, already-existing fear in so many in our community,” Meng told a group of city, state and federal officials and activists at a forum organized by the Asian American Federation.

Meng is also set to attend a candlelight vigil on Friday for Yao Pan Ma, 61, who was killed after being attacked in Harlem while collecting cans. Police arrested Jarrod Powell, who was charged with attempted murder and two hate crime assault charges.