Seattle police ‘committed’ to investigating all anti-Asian hate crimes

Over the past year, the Seattle Police Department says there has been a rise in the number of anti-Asian hate crimes in the city.

In 2020, police received reports of 14 anti-Asian hate crimes, up from nine in 2019 and six in 2018.

Chinatown, International District restaurants feel the pinch of coronavirus

The Chinatown-International District has been previously targeted by white nationalists last year, and a woman was assaulted in the area just last month, adding to the concern in the community.

According to Seattle police, Noriko Nasu and her boyfriend were walking through the Chinatown-International District on Feb. 25, when a random man approached them. Nasu told police the man carried a rock inside a sock and used it as a nunchuck, leading to devastating results.

In a Facebook post, Nasu said she suffered from extensive fractures to her face and teeth, causing her to be treated at Harborview Medical Center.

On March 4, Seattle police said officers arrested a 41-year-old man for the assault in the Chinatown-International District. While there’s no evidence yet to determine if this attack was racially motivated, the SPD’s Bias Crimes Unit is investigating the incident.

According to a post on the SPD Blotter last week, the department “is committed to documenting and investigating all bias incidents and crimes.”

Anyone who feels they have been victimized is encouraged to call 911. Interim Chief Adrian Diaz says the city’s 911 call takers can link victims or witnesses who do not speak English to interpreters certified in over 200 languages and dialects on the spot. Additionally, he said many SPD officers and community service officers speak multiple languages.

“We are facing many challenges right now, including a rise in reported hate crimes across the city,” Diaz says in a video message. “I want the community to know I and the entire department share these concerns and are focused on addressing them.”

“As a community and as a department, we will not tolerate these actions that run counter to our shared values,” he continued. “The Seattle Police Department has heard from residents, business owners, and community organizations across the Chinatown-International District, and throughout our city. People are particularly fearful about an increase in crimes targeting the Asian community. SPD officers are working tirelessly to address all crime, including hate crimes, and to raise awareness around anti-Asian incidents.”

Diaz says SPD officers are working to address all crimes, including hate crimes, and to raise awareness around anti-Asian incidents.

The department has a detective hired full-time to investigate hate crimes and bias incidents, and is finalizing the hiring of a new Chinatown-International District public safety liaison.

“Living in fear is no way to live,” Diaz said. “I want to make it absolutely clear: We are here to help.”

Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest