The Seal Beach Police Department said it is investigating a suspected hate crime that involved a threatening letter being mailed to an Asian American family.
SBPD officials said they received a call about the letter Monday from a resident at Leisure World, a retirement community for people over 55. The caller reported a letter had arrived in the mail for her elderly mother, police said.
The handwritten, anonymous note celebrated the recent death of “Byong,” the name of the mother’s late husband, Det. Jon Ainley said.
“Now that Byong is gone makes it one less Asian to put up with in Leisure World,” the author wrote.
“You fricken Asians are taking over our American community! It is not resting well with all and everybody who lives here—true statement!!! Watch out! Pack your bags and go back to your country where you belong!”
Fearing for their safety, the family contacted police, according to the department.
Seal Beach investigators are working to identify the author of the letter through DNA, fingerprint and handwriting analyses, neighborhood canvassing and surveillance video, police said.
“Hate directed toward any member of our community is disgusting and will not be tolerated,” SBPD Chief Philip L. Gonshak said. “Across the county we are seeing more and more violence committed against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. We will not allow this to happen in Seal Beach. Our investigators are working hard to following up on any and all leads we receive.”
Nationwide, an increase in hate crimes targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has sparked fear. In Long Beach and elsewhere, there’s been a push to speak out against hate aimed at the Asian American community after a gunman killed eight people, including six of Asian descent, during a shooting spree at several Atlanta-area spas.
Long Beach police did not record any anti-Asian hate crimes over the last year, but experts suspect it might be due to underreporting, especially given that the city of Los Angeles saw an 114% increase.
Police encouraged anyone with information to contact Det Jon Ainley at 562-799-4100 ext. 1113 or [email protected].