Sue Young and Her Asian Family Harassed by Teenagers in New York – Check Out Details
Sue Young is a 51-year-old retired doctor from Nevada who was visiting New York City with her husband and their twin 11-year-old daughters on August 3, 2023. She and her family became the victims of a violent attack by three teenage girls on a southbound F train near the West 4th Street station in Greenwich Village.
The incident, which was caught on video by a bystander, has sparked outrage and condemnation from the public and officials, as well as raised questions about the safety and security of Asian Americans in the city.
What happened on the train?
According to Sue Young and her husband, who spoke to various media outlets, they were sitting across from the three girls on the train when they noticed them laughing and pointing at them. They said the girls made insulting and derogatory remarks about their appearance, ethnicity, and accent, and told them to go back to where they came from. Young’s husband said he tried to intervene and asked the girls to use better words, but that only provoked them more.
The video, which was posted on Instagram by Joanna Lin, a 28-year-old entrepreneur who was also on the train, shows one of the girls charging toward Lin and grabbing her by the hair, throwing her to the ground, and punching her several times.
Lin said she was filming the scene because she wanted to document the harassment and report it to the authorities. She said she was also attacked by the other two girls who tried to take her phone away.
Sue Young said she could not stand by and watch Lin being assaulted, so she got up and pushed the girl off her. That’s when the same girl turned on Sue Young and started hitting her repeatedly, breaking her glasses and leaving her with bruises on her face and arm. Young said she felt scared and helpless as she tried to protect herself and her family.
Other passengers on the train intervened and formed a human shield around Sue Young and her family, while some of them called 911. The girls fled the scene when the train stopped at the next station. Young and Lin got off the train and waited for the police to arrive. They were both taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of their injuries.
How did the authorities respond?
The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force is investigating the incident as a possible hate crime, based on the anti-Asian remark that one of the girls allegedly made. The police have released a photo of one of the suspects, who is described as a Black female, approximately 16 years old, 5’6″ tall, weighing 150 lbs., with black hair in braids. They are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating her.
The MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said he was appalled by the attack and that there is no place for hate on the subway system. He said he has instructed his staff to cooperate fully with the police investigation and to provide any assistance they can to Young and her family.
Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the attack and said there is no tolerance for such violence in New York State. She said she has directed the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to offer their support and resources to the NYPD. She also urged anyone who witnesses or experiences a hate crime to report it immediately.
How did Sue Young and her family react?
Young and her family said they were traumatized by the attack and that it ruined their vacation in New York. They said they had planned to visit various attractions in the city, such as Times Square, Central Park, and Broadway shows, but they decided to cut their trip short and return home as soon as possible.
Sue Young said she does not want this incident to be seen as a Black-versus-Asian issue or to fan the flames of racial tension. She said she does not know what motivated the girls to attack them, but she suspects they may have had some personal problems or challenges in their lives that made them angry and aggressive. Sue Young said she does not want this incident to ruin their lives either, but she hopes they will be caught and held accountable for their actions.
Young also expressed her gratitude to Lin for recording the video and trying to help them, as well as to the other passengers who came to their rescue. Sue Young said she was touched by their kindness and courage, and that they restored her faith in humanity.
| Date of attack | August 3, 2023 |
| Location of attack | Southbound F train near West 4th Street station in Greenwich Village, Manhattan |
| Victims | Sue Young, 51, a retired doctor from Nevada; her husband; their twin 11-year-old daughters; Joanna Lin, 28, an entrepreneur from New York |
| Suspects | Three Black teenage girls, one of whom is wanted by the police |
| Injuries | Young: bruises on face and arm, broken glasses; Lin: bruises on head and tailbone |
| Investigation status | Ongoing by NYPD Hate Crime Task Force |
| Number of anti-Asian hate incidents reported in New York State from March 19, 2020 to March 31, 2021 | 1,498 |
What is the context of anti-Asian hate crimes in New York?
The attack on Young and her family is not an isolated incident. According to a report by Stop AAPI Hate, a coalition of advocacy groups that tracks incidents of discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), there were 6,603 hate incidents reported nationwide from March 19, 2020 to March 31, 2021, of which 1,498 occurred in New York State. The report also found that women were more than twice as likely as men to report experiencing hate.
The surge in anti-Asian hate crimes has been attributed to several factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China and was labeled by some politicians and media outlets as the “China virus” or the “kung flu”, as well as the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China over trade, technology, and human rights. Some experts also point to the historical and structural racism and xenophobia that have marginalized and scapegoated Asian Americans for decades.
In response to the rising tide of anti-Asian hate, various initiatives have been launched to raise awareness, provide support, and demand action. Some examples are:
- The #StopAsianHate campaign, which aims to amplify the voices of AAPI communities and allies, and to mobilize resources and actions to combat racism and discrimination.
- The Asian American Federation (AAF), which provides advocacy, research, and social services to AAPI communities in New York. The AAF also operates a helpline for victims of hate crimes and a safety ambassador program that trains volunteers to patrol and protect neighborhoods with high concentrations of Asian residents and businesses.
- The Hate Is A Virus movement, which was founded by activists and influencers to educate and empower AAPI communities to stand up against hate and racism. The movement also raises funds for community-based organizations that provide mental health, legal, and social services to AAPI communities.
Conclusion
The attack on Sue Young and her family is a disturbing reminder of the vulnerability and violence that Asian Americans face in New York and across the country. It also highlights the need for solidarity and action among all people who value diversity, equity, and justice. As Young said, “We are all human beings. We should respect each other and love each other.”
Frequently Asked Q/A
-
Who is Sue Young?
Sue Young is a 51-year-old Asian American woman who was visiting New York City with her family when they were attacked by three teenage girls on a subway train in a possible hate crime.
-
What injuries did Young and Lin suffer from the attack?
Young suffered bruises on her arm, broken glasses, a headache, and whiplash. Lin suffered a sore head and tailbone.
-
How can I help stop anti-Asian hate crimes?
You can help by reporting any incidents you witness or experience to the authorities and organizations like Stop AAPI Hate. You can also educate yourself and others about the history and diversity of the AAPI community, speak up against racism and discrimination, and support AAPI businesses and organizations.
