Protect aapi communities
ROQUE FAMILY
PHOTO COURTESY: SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SUN
According to Rob Hayes, writer of the article “North Hollywood Filipino family calls attack caught on video hate crime (Published June 17, 2022),” a Filipino-American family experienced a hate crime, which was committed through acts of physical and verbal assault in May 2022.
Patricia Roque and her mother, Nerissa were in a McDonald’s drive-thru in North Hollywood, California, when a White male hit the back of their car. Following the interaction, the man yelled racist slurs at the mother and daughter.
The verbal assault escalated to violence, as the man, later identified as Nicholas Weber, began to attack Patricia’s father, Gabriel. A video taken by Patricia shows Weber violently attacking and pushing Gabriel onto the concrete floor and choking Nerissa.
As many cars passed by the violent attack, not a single person stopped to assist the Roques. Weber finally stopped, leaving the family in a state of emotional distress. The crime left a permanent burden on the family, causing Nerissa to fear public places and social interaction.
Patricia’s parents suffered multiple major injuries and officials arrested Weber with two counts of felony battery. A court date in June 2022 was scheduled, but Weber did not attend. The Roque family is asking for civilians’ support to gain the attention of prosecutors and raise awareness of Asian hate crimes.
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Last Updated: March 20, 2023