(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James Rovella today released the following statements condemning hate crimes against Asian Americans:
Governor Lamont said, “I condemn – in the strongest of terms – the recent violent acts of racism and hate committed against Asian Americans that we have seen across our country. Seeing these attacks in nearby New York reminds us all that hate and bigotry are symptoms of a virus that continues to permeate our society – racism. My administration, my family, and the residents of Connecticut will not stand for these acts or these attitudes. Just over a year ago, I made it a point to meet with our Asian brothers and sisters in West Hartford to show solidarity at an early point in the pandemic, making sure to send a message of love and partnership. Seeing these acts happen now disappoint and anger me. We all must do better, and I am calling on all elected officials to condemn these actions immediately.”
Commissioner Rovella said, “The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, as well as the Connecticut Intelligence Center Unit and the Connecticut State Police are all monitoring the horrible events in the Atlanta region. As always, we watch national and international events to determine impact here in Connecticut. We are in constant communication with our federal, state, and local partners, as well as our community cultural partners. At this time, there are no known threats or confirmed hate incidents in Connecticut toward our Asian population.”