Korean-American groups urge politicians to speak out for justice for Victoria Lee

“Korean-American issues should be led by Korean Americans. Why aren’t Andy Kim, Ellen Park, and other major politicians here?”

Korean American Association of Greater New York (KAAGNY), emphasized the importance of Korean Americans taking the initiative to unite and demand a follow-up on Victoria Lee’s case.

Victoria Lee is a 25-year-old mentally ill Korean American woman who was fatally shot by police on July 28 in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

Rallies held around New Jersey were organized by the nonprofit organization AAPI New Jersey and KAAGNY is urging the Korean American community to make amends for the fact that they had not been shared with follow-ups with the incident properly. As the Korean-American community’s lack of unity was pointed out, Korean Americans in the New York area determined to show their commitment to finding justice for the incident.

At the Justice for Victoria Lee rally organized by the KAAGNY at Borough Hall in Fort Lee, New Jersey, on October 2, Yoonhee Choi, President of the Korean American Parents Association of Greater New York, called on Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich to conduct a thorough investigation and resign if he fails to do so.

“The New Jersey Attorney General has promised to change the policy, but what about the victims who tragically died and their families? The offending officer should be punished, not just suspended,” Kwang Suk Kim, President of KAAGNY said.

The Korean American Association of New Jersey was represented by Michelle Song, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, as President Adrian Lee was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts the night before.

Victoria Lee’s father, Lee said, “I have a few things to ask the Mayor of Fort Lee. I called 911 for an ambulance, and the officer acted like she was subduing a terrorist. I’d like to know how it was communicated to the dispatcher. I hope the mayor clarifies this. Action should be taken immediately against the officers who responded that day.”

Additional rallies are planned for October 10 and 12, including a candlelight rally in Fort Lee on Lee’s birthday.

At the October 2 rally, the leaders of the participating organizations discussed the issues such as making a statement to bring the initiative to Korean-American organizations and demanding that U.S. Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ 3rd District) and New Jersey State Assemblymember Ellen Park (D-37th District) attend and do their part about the case.

BY MINHYE KANG, HOONSIK WOO [kang.minhye@koreadailyny.com]