FBI seeks help in identifying suspect who assaulted an Asian American man while using racial slur in Chicago

The FBI and Chicago Police Department have asked for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who allegedly assaulted an Asian American man. Authorities are now looking into the case as a potential hate crime.

Attack: On Aug. 15, the suspect, described by authorities as a man with a thin goatee and wearing a Chicago baseball team White Sox cap, followed the victim into the Argyle Red Line Stop in 1118 West Argyle Street at around noon, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

According to authorities, the suspect struck the victim in the head, causing him to fall, and used a racial slur during the attack. Special agents investigating the case said the victim was assaulted because he was an Asian American, WGN9 reported.

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Rise in attacks: Hate crimes targeting Asians hit a 12-year high in 2020 with a total of 7,759 reported cases, which was a 6.1% increase compared to the reports in 2019, the FBI revealed in its data in August.

In a statement, special agent Siobhan Johnson said some people are expressing anger towards the Asian American community and blaming them for the COVID-19 pandemic. “We all know that is not the truth and people should not be taking their aggressions out on one group of people who had nothing to do with the situation at all,” Johnson added.

Those with information are being asked to contact Area Three SVU detectives at 312-744-8261.

Featured Image via FBI

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