Attacks against Asian Americans may be entering a new and more ominous phase. In the three months of April, May and June, over 3,000 incidents of hate have been reported to Stop AAPI Hate. That's almost half of the 6,603 hate acts reported in the year from March 2020 to March 2021.
"Our data clearly shows that Asian Americans across the country continue to be attacked, and that the hate incidents that we have been tracking since March 2020 are not going away," Manjusha Kulkarni, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate and executive director of the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council, said in a news release.
And, based on an alert from the Department of Homeland Security, the attacks will continue and likely become more violent and more organized by conservative extremists.
Stop AAPI Hate began collecting reports of hate incidents targeting Asians and Asian Americans, since March 2020. A recently released report covers the 9,081 incident reports to Stop AAPI Hate from March 19, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The number of hate incidents reported to the nonprofit agency increased from 6,603 to 9,081 during April—June 2021.
Another way to look at the alarming data is: 4,548 hate incidents occurred in 2020. With about 4.5 months still to go in 2021, there are already 4,533 of hate incidents reported, about equal to all of last year.
Despite mainstream media's proclivity to sensationalize the attacks of Blacks on Asians, the overwhelming number of hate incidents against AAPI were by Whites.
A day after the Census Bureau announced the results of the 2020 Census effort showing that the AAPI population of 24 million, was the fastest growing ethnic and racial group in the U.S. and for the first time, that the White population was declininig; on Friday, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, issued a new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin regarding the heightened threat environment across the United States.
"Through the remainder of 2021, racially- or ethnically-motivated violent extremists (RMVEs) and anti-government/anti-authority violent extremists will remain a national threat priority for the United States," warns the bulletin.
"These extremists may seek to exploit the emergence of COVID-19 variants by viewing the potential re-establishment of public health restrictions across the United States as a rationale to conduct attacks. Pandemic-related stressors have contributed to increased societal strains and tensions, driving several plots by domestic violent extremists, and they may contribute to more violence this year."
Anti-Asian attacks have been linked to the spread of COVID-19, when the Trump administration repeatedly blamed China for the coronavirus resulting in the framatic surge of anti-Asian hate incidents.
On top of that, the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, as well as religious holidays, could serve as a catalyst for a resurgence of anti-Asian, or anti-Muslim incidents.
“DHS remains committed to sharing timely information with the public about the heightened threat environment in order to protect communities across our country,” said Secretary Mayorkas.
“Today’s NTAS Bulletin advises the public about the heightened threat landscape we face and how DHS is working with our partners, at every level of government and in the community, to combat domestic terrorism and targeted violence in all its forms. We are committed to ensuring every initiative undertaken by DHS in response to the threat is consistent with privacy protections, civil rights and civil liberties, First Amendment-protected rights, and other applicable laws.”
DHS has established a new, dedicated domestic terrorism branch within the Department’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A). Further, DHS has established the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) to help build local prevention frameworks to provide communities with the tools they need to counter terrorism and other targeted violence."
Threats in the Homeland include those posed by domestic terrorists, individuals and groups engaged in grievance-based and/or racist violence, and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences. These actors are increasingly exploiting online forums to influence and spread violent extremist narratives and promote violent activity.
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Among the possible actions that domestic terrorists could use to stir up anti-government organizations and lone wolves acting on their own, include:
- Through the remainder of 2021, racially- or ethnically-motivated violent extremists (RMVEs) and anti-government/anti-authority violent extremists will remain a national threat priority for the United States. These extremists may seek to exploit the emergence of COVID-19 variants by viewing the potential re-establishment of public health restrictions across the United States as a rationale to conduct attacks. Pandemic-related stressors have contributed to increased societal strains and tensions, driving several plots by domestic violent extremists, and they may contribute to more violence this year.
- Historically, mass-casualty domestic violent extremist attacks linked to RMVEs have targeted houses of worship and crowded commercial facilities or gatherings. Some RMVEs advocate via online platforms for a race war and have stated that civil disorder provides opportunities to engage in violence in furtherance of ideological objectives.
- The reopening of institutions, including schools, as well as several dates of religious significance over the next few months, could also provide increased targets of opportunity for violence though there are currently no credible or imminent threats identified to these locations.
- Law enforcement have expressed concerns that the broader sharing of false narratives and conspiracy theories will gain traction in mainstream environments, resulting in individuals or small groups embracing violent tactics to achieve their desired objectives. With a diverse array of threats, DHS is concerned that increased outbreaks of violence in some locations, as well as targeted attacks against law enforcement, may strain local resources.
How you can help
- Report suspicious activity and threats of violence, including online threats, to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or local Fusion Center.
- If you know someone who is struggling with mental health issues or may be a danger to themselves or others, support is available.
Be prepared and stay informed
- Be prepared for emergency situations and remain aware of circumstances that may place you at risk.
- Maintain digital media literacy to recognize and build resilience to false and harmful narratives.
- Make note of your surroundings and the nearest security personnel.
- Government agencies will provide details about emerging threats as information is identified. The public is encouraged to listen to local authorities and public safety officials.
