Photo via Chinese American Parent Association of Howard County on Facebook
Three Asian restaurants across from the Columbia Mall in Columbia, Maryland have been vandalized, NBC 4 Washington reports.
Vandals shattered the glass doors and windows of Urban Hot Pot, Kung Fu Tea and Bonchon. They also stole money from the registers.
Zong Chen, who is the owner of the Kung Fu Tea and Bonchon, believes the businesses were targeted for being Asian.
“Sucks to be me as the victim right now,” Chen told NBC 4 Washington. “We all have families. We’re all just trying to make money and, you know, make a living for our families.”
Several Asian businesses in the Howard County area have been vandalized since the beginning of the Lunar New Year, according to Fox 5 News. Howard County Police that at least six restaurants Elliott City and Columbia were targeted overnight. They are investigating whether the burglaries are related.
“To have these crimes occur during the beginning of Lunar New Year – a time of great celebration and joy – is additionally sad and distressing,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball told Fox 5 News.
Bonchon and Kung Fu Tea have repaired the damage and are open for business. They plan to donate 10 percent of their profits this month towards raising awareness for hate crimes against Asian Americans.
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