Torres Stands in Solidarity Against Anti-Asian Violence
POMONA – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) released the following statement today standing in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the Inland Empire and across the country after the horrific shooting this week in Atlanta, which came after a year of increasing violence targeting the AAPI community.
"I send my deepest sympathies to the victims and families impacted by the horrific shooting in Atlanta," Rep. Norma J. Torres said. "As we mourn the loss of eight innocent lives this week, we must acknowledge that the AAPI community has faced a spike in anti-Asian violence for at least the last year. The pain, anger and fear resulting from all of this is utterly unacceptable, especially given the history of racism that Asian Americans have faced in the United States."
During World War II, one of the Japanese internment camps that displaced 117,000 people was located in Congresswoman Torres' hometown of Pomona.
"I live just blocks away from a plaque marking the site of a Japanese internment camp – it's a poignant reminder that we cannot sit idly by amidst this spike in hate," Torres continued. "The Inland Empire is home to a vibrant AAPI community that enriches our entire region, from sharing cultural treasures and eclectic food, to supporting those in need as the local Vietnamese community does with holiday meals for homeless residents. Every AAPI person, in the Inland Empire and across the country, deserves our solidarity, support and respect. We each have a responsibility to stand up to bigotry and xenophobia wherever we encounter it."
Congresswoman Torres is a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).
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