HARRISBURG― Attorney General Josh Shapiro is releasing the following statement regarding bias and hate crimes during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
PA OAG Hate Crime Resource Guide
“Every Pennsylvanian has a part to play in defeating the COVID-19 crisis and threats against Asian Americans living in our Commonwealth will be taken seriously. The Office of Attorney General’s Civil Rights Enforcement Section works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials—Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission—to investigate incidents of bias and hold perpetrators accountable.
Threats against Asian Americans undermine public health and safety. The COVID-19 virus has nothing to do with race or ancestry.
We all depend on front-line workers to keep us healthy and safe—including Asian American doctors, nurses, police officers, truck drivers and grocery store workers—many of whom have lived here for generations.
Together, we will beat this crisis. I condemn all forms of hate and harassment against Asian Americans and am counting on my fellow Pennsylvanians to do the same.
Take care of yourself, and know that the Commonwealth will be here to protect you.”
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