A commissioner-at-large in his 70s was punched in the face in an unprovoked attack while walking in San Francisco.
The commissioner, who chose to withhold his name for privacy, was reportedly walking along 3rd and Folsom St. when a man jumped off a bike and knocked him to the ground before punching him in the face at around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to ABC 7 reporter Dion Lim.
“I was bruised, battered and have a few broken bones,” the man told Lim. “I’m lucky I’m alive.”
The San Francisco commissioner said he did not have enough time to defend himself with the pepper spray in his pocket. Although nothing was stolen from him, the Asian senior may need surgery on his shoulder.
“While he isn’t sure this is a hate crime, it’s hard for him not to think otherwise given all of the attacks I have reported on,” Lim wrote in her Instagram post. “He wanted to spread the news and did not hesitate to speak with me.”
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It is not clear whether the incident has been reported to the police or if an investigation is ongoing.
Ben Wei, the founder of the nonprofit organization Asians Fighting Injustice, also shared the incident to his Instagram account.
“My family friend was just randomly attacked on the streets in SF,” he wrote. “I am so upset that this happened to such an incredibly kind person who has done so much for his city.”
“My friends in SF will be attending the @standwithasians emergency rally to defend Asian elders,” Wei also informed his followers. “Please spread the word and show up. Last Sunday, 70-year-old Mrs. Ren was also brutally beaten & robbed by 4 attackers at her senior living center as well in SF.”
The rally “Defend Asian Elders March” will be held from 11:30 a.m. PT on Aug. 7 at the Washington Square Park in San Francisco.
Featured Image via @DionLimTV
