Texas Sam’s Club Stabbing of Burmese Man and Son Confirmed by FBI as Hate Crime

According to the Daily Beast, Jose L. Gomez, 19, confessed to the Midland Police Department that the attack was launched with the intent to murder the Asian American family members on March 14 at the Midland, Texas store.

Border Patrol Agent Bernie Ramie, who intervened and subdued the attacker, revealed to CBS7 that his initial thought was customers fighting over a shortage of items.

However, in the FBI analysis report covered by ABC News, it stated, “three Asian American family members, including a 2-year-old and 6-year-old, were stabbed … The suspect indicated that he stabbed the family because he thought the family was Chinese, and infecting people with the coronavirus.”

The Daily Beast continued, “Gomez, who stabbed the individuals and a Sam’s Club employee, is now facing several charges, including three counts of attempted capital murder and one count of aggravated assault. He is being held on several bonds totaling $1 million.”

The Sam’s Club employee, Zach Owen, who first wrestled the knife away from Gomez sustained cuts to his hand and leg. His hand required over 30 stitches and 12 on his leg, according to NewsWest 9.

The family and Owen were released from the hospital a couple of days later, but Bawi and Robert suffered deep lacerations on their faces requiring stitches as well.

If it wasn’t for Owen’s actions, Bawi and his children may have died that night. Bawi expressed that he was very thankful to Owen and that he saved him and his family.

Chininsider created a fundraiser for the family and it has since ended, raising a little over $20,000 to foot their present and future recovery costs.

Feature Image via Midland County Sheriff’s Office (left), @chininsider