Summary

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci issued a statement Tuesday condemning violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Story

King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci on Tuesday opened the council meeting with a condemnation of violence and racist acts against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Many cities across the U.S. have seen major upticks in acts of violence against these communities, often triggered by false beliefs that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are responsible for spreading COVID-19. Balducci issued the following statement:

“Like many, I have watched with anger and sorrow the increase in violence toward Asian and Pacific Islander Americans across the nation and locally in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, this is not new; our nation’s history is replete with similar targeting and violence. I stand with my colleagues on the county council against this virulent type of racism, intolerance and xenophobia and remain committed to working with the community to make a more just and equitable county where everyone is safe.”