Last weekend, we all watched closely as the media reported on the assassination attempt of Donald Trump. Before any information was released about the shooter or their motive, the New York Post reported that a “Chinese man” was the culprit.* Not only was this a blatant lie, but the New York Post later revised the statement to “white male” without formally flagging the correction. Tell the New York Post: Apologize to the Chinese American community for your false reporting and implement stricter editorial guidelines so this does not happen again! 

The New York Post’s initial statement that the shooter was a “Chinese man” had no factual basis. The claim merely stemmed from the continued racist and paranoid rhetoric that has led to the current climate of heightened Asian American hate across the country. These lies have tangible impacts on individuals and communities, fostering fear and promoting hatred and violence towards Asian Americans. 

👉 Tell the New York Post to Stop Driving Violence and Hate!

The Committee of 100, a nonprofit membership organization of Chinese Americans, drafted a letter demanding the New York Post apologize for its transgressions and implement editorial guidelines that prevent an error like this from occurring again. New York State Assemblywoman Grace Lee and New York State Senator Iwen Chu have also issued statements calling for fair and respectful reporting for the Chinese Americans and to uphold “standards of accuracy, integrity and respect.”

CODEPINK joins this call in solidarity with the Chinese American community. Recent political rhetoric towards Chinese Americans has been overtly condemnatory and filled with malice and blame. The referral to COVID-19 as the “China virus” and subsequent claims that Chinese people were the cause of the pandemic led to a series of violent hate crimes against Asian Americans across the country. 

Lies are dangerous because they instigate violence. Our media outlets continue to pump out false stories that are harmful to the wellbeing of Asian Americans, and we need to hold them accountable. The New York Post must issue a formal apology to the Chinese American community and implement rules that ensure accurate reporting in the future. 

👉 Tell the New York Post to Implement Stricter Editorial Guidelines!

Peace and solidarity, 

Megan, Jodie, and the CODEPINK Team

Take further action:

• Watch our recent webinar, US Militarization in the Philippines: Abuse of People and Planet.
• Contact [email protected] to schedule a meeting and learn more about China Is Not Our Enemy biweekly meetings, including our upcoming one on Monday, July 22nd at 7pm ET. 

• Follow our social media: Instagram | X

** See the New York Post article here.