NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday announced the city's plan to fight against hate crimes against Asian-Americans.
"On top of all the suffering from the coronavirus itself, people have had to confront horrible discrimination," de Blasio said.
According to the mayor, the Asian American community was hit hard even before COVID-19 entered NYC, with some of the "worst language" coming from the White House last year.
"Every community suffered, but there's been a particular pain, a particular horrible challenge faced by the Asian-American community," he said.
"Absolutely unacceptable," de Blasio said. "No place for hate in New York City toward our Asian brothers and sisters."
The NYPD is focused on fighting back and finding anyone who commits a hate crime everywhere in the city, particularly in the subways with the addition of NYPD officers, according to the mayor.
"If you're even thinking of committing a hate crime; if you dare to raise your hand against a member in the Asian community you will suffer the consequences," he added.
The mayor will also be working closely with other communities and meeting with leaders within the Asian groups.
There will also be an anti-discrimination toolkit available online at nyc.gov/StopAsianHate
Stewart Loo, of the NYPD Asian Hate Crimes Task Force also joined the mayor's daily briefing to encourage people to report any hate crimes.
"Since the pandemic hit us, the Asian-American community has been reeling with the second pandemic of racism. I encourage people to report their attacks. We must prioritize community safety," Loo said.