ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (AP) - Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday directed authorities to increase the visibility of police patrols to protect Asian businesses and communities in response to rising anti-Asian violence and discrimination.
Hogan said the enhanced visibility will be done in coordination with police chiefs and sheriffs across the state.
The governor made the announcement at an event in Ellicott City. He was joined at an event with first lady Yumi Hogan, who is a South Korean immigrant, and Asian American business and community leaders.
Hogan also encouraged victims and witnesses to report incidents to the state’s Hate Crimes Hotline: 1-866-481-8361. He also urged Congress to pass legislation to improve and expand the reporting of hate crimes, and he called on federal and state prosecutors to investigate alleged hate crimes.
Last week, a white gunman in Atlanta was charged with killing eight people, most of them women of Asian descent, at three massage businesses.
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