The Burien City Council issued a proclamation on April 5, 2021 declaring anti-Asian hate was not welcome in Burien.
Acknowledging the horrific murders of eight people, six of women of Asian descent, the proclamation noted that there the incidence of hate crimes against Asian and Pacific Islanders increased by nearly 150% in 2020, a surge coinciding with the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has reported a significant rise in hate crimes perpetrated in King County, from 30 cases in 2018 to 59 cases in 2020.
They urged community members to stand up against stigma, bigotry, and hate-based violence and to support and celebrate Burien’s diversity and welcoming community. In 2020, Public Health – Seattle & King County declared racism a public health threat. King County Sheriff’s Office is considering the addition of a Hate and Bias Crime Unit to their operations.
How to Report Harassment or Hate Crime