TAAF CEO Releases Statement in Response to Murder of Michelle Go in New York City Subway Station
TAAF’s NYC AAPI Action Center partner — the Asian American Federation — plans to extend the reach of a number of its services with the support of TAAF.
Media Contact:
The Asian American Foundation, press@taaf.org
TAAF Working with NYC AAPI Action Center Partner and Other Local Advocates to Help Improve Public Safety for AAPI New Yorkers
WASHINGTON, DC, January 18, 2022 — The Asian American Foundation ("TAAF") today released a statement in response to the murder of Michelle Go in New York City’s Times Square subway station. Go, a 40-year-old woman of Asian descent, was fatally pushed in front of an oncoming subway train in an unprovoked attack on the morning of Saturday, January 15. The assailant has since been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
TAAF is working with local AAPI advocates to bring together community and government leaders to pursue solutions for keeping AAPIs safer from these types of attacks. Notably, TAAF’s NYC AAPI Action Center partner — the Asian American Federation — plans to extend the reach of a number of its services with the support of TAAF, including expanding its public safety escort program, its efforts to connect AAPIs with mental health services, and its work with other partners to drive toward long-term, cross-racial public safety solutions.
Norman Chen, Chief Executive Officer of TAAF, released the following statement regarding the attack on Michelle Go and AAPI advocates’ efforts to mobilize in response:
“The senseless murder of Michelle Go has sent shock waves through our communities, forcing us to once again mourn the loss of a daughter, sister, colleague, neighbor, and friend. Michelle could have been any one of us, and every single member of the TAAF team sends our deepest condolences to all who knew her.
“This tragedy is the latest example of violence that AAPI communities across the nation continue to endure, underscoring the acute need for TAAF and our partners to provide public safety solutions that will make AAPIs safer from acts of violence — no matter where they come from or why. In the days since we learned of Michelle’s attack, TAAF has been coordinating with our NYC AAPI Action Center, the Asian American Federation, as well as government agencies, and other local advocates and leaders to pursue a comprehensive, cross-racial approach to protect against similar attacks in the future.”
Later today at 6PM ET, Asians Fighting Injustice along with community partners will host a candlelit vigil in Times Square in remembrance of Go. The organization will be joined by NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Congresswoman Grace Meng, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and other elected officials. Go’s family, friends, and co-workers have also been invited to attend and speak this evening. TAAF is contributing $5,000 to Asians Fighting Injustice’s Stop Asian Hate NYC Fund in support of tonight's vigil.
About The Asian American Foundation
The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) is a convener, incubator, and funder committed to accelerating opportunity and prosperity for AAPI communities. TAAF supports advocates and organizations committed to AAPI causes so that together we can more effectively take action against hate and violence, and build the infrastructure needed to improve AAPI advocacy, power, and representation across American society. We were founded to solve for the longstanding lack of investment and resources provided to AAPI communities and we strive to be a catalyzing force for creating a permanent and irrevocable sense of belonging for the 23 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders living in the United States. For additional information about TAAF, please visit www.taaf.org.