March 27, 2020
THE WEEK’S BIG 3
An apparent white supremacist suspected of plotting to attack a Missouri hospital caring for coronavirus patients was killed during a shootout with FBI agents, authorities said Wednesday. Brenton Tarrant, the man accused of killing 51 worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand last year, has pleaded guilty. The Attorney General of New York has launched a hotline for people to report hate crimes and biased incidents against Asian-Americans during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Read on for more on these headlines, news you can use to fight hate and the latest info about ADL from around the country.
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White Supremacist Suspected of Plotting Attack on Missouri Hospital Killed in Shootout
“According to officials, Mr. Wilson had expressed racist and anti-government sentiments. He had been under F.B.I. scrutiny since September, and the authorities said that at one point he had considered attacking multiple targets, including a school with a large number of black students, as well as a mosque and a synagogue.” The New York Times: READ MORE
+ ADL Resource: White Supremacists Respond to Coronavirus With Violent Plots and Online Hate
+ ADL’s Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
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Christchurch Shooter Pleads Guilty to 51 Murders
“Brenton Tarrant, 29, also admitted the attempted murder of another 40 people, and one terrorism charge. He had previously denied the charges and was due to go on trial in June. The gun attacks at two mosques sent shockwaves around the world. In the wake of the killings, New Zealand brought in stricter gun laws.” BBC: FULL STORY
+ ADL Resource: White Supremacist Terrorist Attack at Mosques in New Zealand
+ ADL Resource: American White Supremacist Groups Exploiting International Connections
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New York AG Launches Hotline to Report Coronavirus Hate Crimes Against Asian-Americans
“Reported harassment and physical assaults against Asian Americans has risen as the virus — which was first reported in Wuhan, China, last December — spreads across the globe. The New York Times on Sunday reported that a young Chinese woman who moved to the U.S. five years ago said a middle-aged man spat at her as she waited to cross the street.” The Hill: FULL STORY
+ ADL Resource: Reports of Anti-Asian Assaults, Harassment and Hate Crimes Rise as Coronavirus Spreads
+ ADL Education Resource: Coronavirus Highlights and Perpetuates Inequities in our Society
KEY ADL SOCIAL STATEMENTS
- As COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe, examples of those seeking a scapegoat for the virus continue to proliferate…
- Detaining people in unsanitary & overcrowded conditions is inhumane. It puts them at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 & endangers the general public…
- As #antisemite Rick Wiles and his “news outlet” TruNews show us once again, hatemongers will try to spread their vitriol even when they're stuck at home…
IN THE COMMUNITY
- Let’s stave off the virus of hate, too (The Advocate, New Orleans – Aaron Ahlquist Letter to the Editor)
- ‘You’re Spreading the Virus’: Hasidic Man Alleges Antisemitic Discrimination at New York Car Dealership (Algemeiner)
- Rashida Tlaib has a serious primary opponent - who’s a Louis Farrakhan fan (Forward)