From the city of Mercer Island

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-Asian racism and xenophobia have traumatized communities across the country, and the verbal and physical attacks continue to occur.

While the tragic murder of eight individuals, six of whom were of Asian descent, in Atlanta on March 16 has yet to be ruled a hate crime, these shootings have increased the fear and anxiety that many Asian Americans feel.

Locally, a violent attack last month against an Asian woman in Seattle’s Chinatown International District has left many in our Asian community afraid for their personal safety.

The city of Mercer Island denounces hate and cultural intolerance, and is committed to being an inclusive community free from racism in any form.

“I stand in solidarity with our diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander neighbors across King County, and with all persons who are committed to combating racism wherever it appears and ask each and every one of us to act at all times in ways that keep all of us safe,” said Mayor Benson Wong.

The city encourages residents to report all hate crimes and bias related incidents, either by calling 911, or using the city’s 24/7 non-emergency police dispatch number at 425-577-5656.

Last summer in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, the city council joined with the community in committing to meaningful progress in combating racism, and proclaimed a renewed commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in Mercer Island.