On a Saturday afternoon, a Burnaby woman identified only as Chen experienced a distressing encounter at Lougheed Mall, Burnaby.
While waiting for a friend near Starbucks, Chen made eye contact with a woman who then intentionally bumped into her. This incident escalated when the woman allegedly told Chen to “go back to your own country.”
Chen’s Account
Chen described feeling shocked and helpless during the incident. The woman’s aggressive behavior and racially charged remark left Chen deeply unsettled. Chen attempted to distance herself, but the woman blocked her path and continued the verbal assault.
“If you have the courage to ask me to go back to my own country, you should have the courage to talk to the police,” Chen recalls telling her attacker.
Police Response
Chen promptly called 911 and reported the incident to police officers stationed near the SkyTrain. However, both Burnaby RCMP and Transit Police were unable to confirm the report. This lack of confirmation highlights potential issues in the reporting and response system for such incidents.
Community Support
Ali Wong, co-founder of Stop Anti-Asian Hate Crime, commented on the broader context of the incident. He noted that while reports of hate crimes have decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for more substantial support for victims remains critical. Wong emphasized that victims often struggle to receive adequate assistance from the RCMP, city police, or government agencies.
“We need more practical work to address systematic discrimination,” Wong stated, reflecting on the numerous stories of victims who feel unsupported.
Witnesses and Public Reaction
Chen mentioned that several bystanders witnessed the encounter, but none intervened. This lack of assistance from the public adds to the trauma of the experience for Chen. Despite her shaken state, Chen chose to speak out about the incident to raise awareness and encourage others to act in similar situations.
“If you see something, say it, or otherwise, the end will come back and do it to the next person,” Chen urged.
Current Status and Updates
As of now, there have been no further updates from law enforcement regarding the incident. The Burnaby RCMP and Transit Police have yet to confirm or follow up on Chen’s report.
