Blasio’s mayor was harassed and surrounded on Friday night by protesters at a Union Square vigil that was held to protest anti-Asian racism and mourn the victims of the Georgia massage parlor shootings.
A diverse crowd gathered on 14th Street in Manhattan to demand an end to hate crimes and prejudice after a lone sniper killed six Asian women and two others in attacks in the Atlanta area on Tuesday night.
The mourners lit candles, held up signs with the words “Stop killing us” and “Stop hating Asians” and placed flowers in front of makeshift memorials, while politicians and defenders addressed the protesters, some of whom turned their anger on Hizzoner .
“What are you going to do about it,” a chorus of people demanded as de Blasio summoned the victims of anti-Asian prejudice crimes, according to social media footage.
The mayor was surrounded by about a dozen hostile protesters when his entourage left the event, video posted on Twitter showed.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer and aspiring mayor Andrew Yang were among the high-profile speakers who called for peace and healing at the event organized by the Asian American Federation.
Among those attending the vigil was Jayne Ng, 25, a Chinese American who said she was recovering from the massacre in the south.
“This week has been very difficult and disturbing,” she said. “So, I appreciate that there were leaders from the Muslim, Hispanic and Black communities here tonight to speak out and support the Asian American community. They came to say that they are here for us. “
Ng, an artist, added that she experienced anti-Asian hatred firsthand.
“As an Asian woman, I was harassed on the subway. I have been followed on the street by strangers. I had people yelling at me. I always feel insecure. I suffer from harassment. It is a sad part to be an Asian woman. Hopefully, these tragic events can raise awareness. “
Vincent Tang, 40, called on local leaders to take action to end racial violence.
“II think it helped. Solidarity and support are lacking. It was good to be together to support each other. It was a great hope to see other people who are not Asian here tonight, ”said Tang.
“We always face adversity. We face racism. We are finally coming together in a strong community and as a whole. This is such a diverse city. I am finally realizing that it is time to stand up, support each other and call on our leaders to take action. They continue to fail. It’s all talk. No action, ”lamented Tang.
The NYPD saw a 1300% increase in anti-Asian hate crimes during the coronavirus pandemic and intensified patrolling in Asian neighborhoods after the massages in the massage parlors.
On Friday night, Kamala Harris, the first Asian American to serve as vice president, said there were 3,800 hate incidents recorded against the group last year.