Queens police and prosecutors outline fight against anti-Asian hate crimes
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State Sen. John Liu condemned the surge in anti-Asian hate crimes in New York City. AP Photo/Hans Pennink
By Rachel Vick
Amid a surge in anti-Asian hate crimes, Queens elected officials joined local law enforcement Tuesday to discuss the fight against rising violence and discrimination.
State Sen. John Liu, Councilmember Peter Koo and various police and prosecutors attended the webinar hosted by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
“As an Asian American, it's been a doubly horrific year,” Liu said. “We need multiple responses to help the community and to stamp out the inherent racism that existed before the pandemic but has only become more pronounced and exacerbated.”
Expert panelists shared tips to better equip Queens residents with the knowledge they can use if they encounter a hate crime, described what to expect after an arrest and discussed available resources for Asian Americans.
“We are all aware and we’re concerned about the increase of attacks of members of the Asian community,” Katz said. “We're here because these incidents must stop and bc we must change the climate of fear that has been created by these attacks. COVID misinformation and existing prejudice have created a toxic mix.”
NYPD Hate Crimes Inspector Jessica Corey and Asian American Hate Crimes Task Force Sergeant Stacey Lee outlined efforts to connect with victims and make them feel comfortable coming forward. The NYPD has interpreters who work with victims, for example.
Corey encouraged New Yorkers to call the police while an incident is in progress to increase the chance of catching the assailant.
She also reminded audience members to follow common sense guidelines: “For any type of crime — not going in dark alleys, walking in groups, trusting your instincts.”
Lee said recalling assailants say during an attack can help prosecutors determine whether they can bring hate crime charges.
“Whether you're a victim or witness, you should pay attention to what was said,” Lee said. “That would assist the investigators to determine if it was bias motivated.”
Charging someone with a hate crime can be complicated, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Assistant District Attorney Michael Bovner said prosecutors must prove the suspect was motivated by bias while relying mainly on eyewitness accounts.
“Unlike all the other crimes we have to prove the motive,” Bovner said. “You have to have both the motive and the crime.”
He explained that authorities work to confirm that the incident meets the parameters set by the state’s Hate Crime Statute. That process takes time, he said, and why the DA’s office doesn’t rush to charge attacks specifically as a hate crime.
Investigators examine factors like the victim’s identity as well as the suspect’s language, tattoos, clothing and the location of the attack.
“We have to be conscious of what we’re doing and make sure we’re doing it properly,” he said
The seminar is saved on the Queens DA’s Facebook page.
Resources are available for Queens residents who have been affected by an anti-Asian attacks through Korean Community Services, the Chinese Planning Council and Organization of Chinese Americans.
