April 9th, 2021 by WCBC Radio
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on Friday announced the formation of an Asian-American Hate Crime Workgroup.
Former U.S. Attorney Robert Hur, who is Asian American, will serve as chairman of the workgroup, with the goal of addressing a rise in anti-Asian discrimination and violence.
“Words are not enough,” Hogan said. “Which is why I immediately directed Maryland State Police and all of our state law enforcement agencies to increase enhance visibility patrols and provide additional protection for [Asian American community] members. We issued awareness bulletins in an effort to ensure the safety of AAPI against further attacks. And we’ve been encouraging anyone who is a victim or as a witness a hate crime to please come forward.”
Hur, who attended Friday's press conference with the governor, spoke about the task ahead.
“As an Asian American, I’m grateful to Governor Hogan and the First Lady for focusing attention on the important issues of bias and violence against members of Asian-American communities in our nation, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of the solution,” said Hur. “Conversations about subjects like race and racism can be extraordinarily awkward and difficult. But awkward and difficult and honest conversations are the only way to solve big and painful problems in our society.”
In 2020, hate crimes in America’s largest cities declined overall by 7%, while hate crimes targeting Asians rose by nearly 150%. In Maryland, hate crimes targeting Asian-Americans have more than doubled since 2018.
