Hate crimes against minorities must be stopped

We are horrified to learn that two mass shootings recently occurred in Buffalo, New York, and Orange County, California, on May 14 and 15.

According to authorities, both crimes were motivated by hatred. 11 people were killed in total and eight injured in the shooting.

We strongly condemn extremely violent hate crimes against any people.

On May 14, a white 18-year-old wearing military gear and livestreaming with a helmet camera opened fire with a rifle at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people and wounding three others. Police said he shot 11 Black and two white victims before surrendering to authorities in a rampage he broadcast live on the streaming platform Twitch.

The next day, there was another mass shooting at the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Forest. This fatal shooting killed one man and wounded five others. The attacker and all victims are of Asian decedents from Taiwan. The suspect’s trial has been postponed until June 10.

These mass shootings are a wake-up call for the safety of many minority groups. The suspects all had the intent to commit hate crimes against specific groups. We condemn discrimination and hate crimes of any kind. Greater efforts should be made for the harmony and tranquility of the whole society. Differences should never be used as an excuse for inhumane crimes. For a better future, we need to embrace and care for each other and use our love to make fear and hatred go away.