Chicago, Illinois – A brutal attack on Kevin Qin, a Chinese American man, outside a grocery store in Chicago’s South Loop has sparked outrage and demands for justice. Qin, a 41-year-old, was surrounded by a group of seven to ten men who proceeded to kick and punch him while making derogatory remarks.
According to Qin, one of the attackers yelled, “Yo, this Chinese (expletive) is like trying to gang up on me or something,” before the group pulled him from behind, dragged him to the ground, and left him unconscious. The incident, which Qin and community activists are labeling as a hate crime, has prompted an investigation by local authorities.
Despite the traumatic experience, Qin, a former U.S. Marine who served in Iraq, considers himself fortunate that his injuries were not more severe. He emphasized the importance of self-defense training, acknowledging that not everyone possesses the same skills to protect themselves in such situations.
The attack was halted by a bystander, giving Qin the opportunity to escape and call for help. He was subsequently taken to the hospital for medical attention. While Qin continues to recover from the physical and emotional trauma, the community stands in solidarity with him, denouncing the violence and advocating for accountability for the perpetrators.
As the investigation unfolds, advocates are urging law enforcement to classify the attack as a hate crime, recognizing the harmful impact of racially motivated violence on individuals and communities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing discrimination and xenophobia experienced by Asian Americans, highlighting the need for greater awareness and action to combat such prejudices.
In the face of adversity, Kevin Qin remains resilient, determined to seek justice and raise awareness about the prevalence of hate crimes targeting Asian Americans. His courage and perseverance serve as a testament to the strength and unity of communities in the fight against discrimination and bigotry.