Victim of alleged random attack in Gastown calls for anti-Asian crime protection

A Richmond woman was walking by the Steam Clock in Vancouver’s Gastown on Sunday, when she says someone randomly attacked her.

“This person with a bicycle randomly slapped my wife in the face,” the victim’s husband, Charles told CityNews.

Momo, the victim of the attack,  wasn’t comfortable speaking in English about the person that attacked her – but her husband Charles says it happened around 3 p.m. on Sunday, and left his wife frustrated and depressed.

Momo and Charles both believe the incident is related to a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes.

“Because the slap was very hard – it ripped off her glasses instantly. She described to me that she has a trauma instantly after the slap,” Charles explained.

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After the shock wore off, Momo says she tried chasing her attacker. She met a police officer and she explained the situation, and showed them a picture of the person allegedly responsible – Vancouver police wouldn’t confirm to CityNews if the picture was in fact the suspect, but say they are investigating.

Charles says police officers tried to chase the person but they were unsuccessful in apprehending him.

“The police told my wife and her friend this person is known to the police and has a record of randomly attacking tourists around the Gastown area, there were many people around the clock, why did the person just come up randomly and attack my wife who is of Asian/Chinese heritage? I believe this is a crime that’s related to Asian hate.”

Doris Wai Ki Mah is the Co-Founder of the Stand With Asians Coalition – which has organized several rallies against Asian hate in the Lower Mainland – and she says more needs to be done to protect the Asian community.

“We have got to do more to protect the safety of our residents,” said Wai Ki Mah.

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May 10 marks the second annual day of action against Asian Hate. Last year, municipalities across Canada made official proclamations observing the day.

In 2020, the Vancouver Police reported A 717 percent increase of anti-Asian hate crimes in the city.

“We want to set aside a day so we can actually focus on reflecting, and thinking, and recommitting ourselves to fight against not just anti-Asian racism – but anti-Black, anti-Indigenous, or anti any people of colour,” Wai Ki Mah explained.

After Momo’s experience in Gastown, she wants other Asian people to speak out.

“She would like to take this opportunity and raise the awareness of the Asian community to speak out louder. If we don’t speak, and just put it away – our voice will not be heard,” Charles said.