STATEMENT: Asian Texans for Justice Demands for Texas State Leadership to Take Meaningful Action Against Anti-Palestinian Violence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 6, 2024
Contact: Christina Hahn
christina@asiantexansforjustice.org
On February 4th, a 23 year old Palestinian American man was brutally attacked with a knife after attending a Palestinian human rights rally in Austin, Texas. Asian Texans for Justice demands a full investigation of the incident, increased funding and resources for community engagement, and a call for Texas state and localities to issue support for a ceasefire of the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
AUSTIN, TEXAS — Asian Texans for Justice is deeply saddened by the unconscionable act of violence enacted upon a young Palestinian American and their companions following a Palestinian human rights rally in Austin, Texas on February 4th, 2024. Around 7 PM, a white male on a bicycle approached the vehicle containing four young Muslim Americans and attempted to rip off a flagpole with a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf reading “Free Palestine,” from their car while hurling racial obscenities at the group. The perpetrator, later identified as Bert James Baker, pulled one of the passengers out of the car and physically attacked them. The three other passengers exited the vehicle to defend their companion, an altercation ensued in which Baker pulled out a knife and stabbed one of the young men, breaking one of his ribs. The stabbing victim then subdued Baker who was later arrested by the police.
We are relieved to learn that the stabbing victim has undergone a successful surgery and is recovering at the hospital. We wish for the quick and complete recovery of all victims and extend our condolences to the loved ones of those impacted by the incident.
ATJ demands that Texas state and local leadership respond swiftly to this incident. First, a full and thorough investigation must be conducted to determine if the incident was a hate motivated crime and prosecute the perpetrator to the full extent of the law. Second, increased funding and meaningful resources must be invested across Austin and Texas to engage and educate Texans to combat ongoing incidents of misinformation and hate. Finally, we urge all Texas state and local leadership to issue support for a permanent ceasefire to foster peace for all involved in the Israeli-Hamas conflict, acknowledging how the conflict has impacted those abroad and here in Texas.
“Since October, Texans have felt the impacts of the Israeli-Hamas conflict here at home. Incidents of Islamophobia and anti-semitism have led to a surge of calls for a ceasefire, peace, and inclusion of all people. By not taking swift action, Texas officials are fostering an environment that is ripe for violence and hate - antithesis to what it means to be a Texan.”
- Lily Trieu, Executive Director of Asian Texans for Justice
This incident is not the first act of violence against Muslim and Palestinian Texans since October 2023. Until Texas officials take meaningful steps to condemn violence and hate, our communities will continue to be victims of senseless attacks.
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Asian Texans For Justice (ATJ) envisions a future where all people feel bold in their belonging. We connect Asian and Pacific Islander Texans to civic action to build personal and political power. For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
