J M
- An Asian family’s business was looted and robbed in New York City.
- Several businesses have asked for donations after their businesses were robbed amid the pandemic.
An Asian family who has owned and operated a pawn shop called GoldCash Inc in New York City for decades was forced to close after their shop was looted and vandalized during a riot in the Fordham neighborhood.
The Shen family tried to stop the looters only to be chased, attacked, and robbed, which left the family’s mother seriously injured.
GoldCash Inc has been on East 188th Street in the Bronx for the last 40 years. On June 1, the family received a security alert about a break-in at their shop and they immediately rushed to the store.
When they arrived, looters had already forced their way in and the family tried to stop them and keep the important items safe but there was no luck. The Shens tried escaping in their car but were followed and attacked.
“They smashed our windows. They attacked with crowbars, pipes, and bricks. They pulled my mom from the car. As my boyfriend Chao held onto her, they broke her leg,” said Jessalyn Shen, who is the daughter of the owners.
“My jewelry, shoes, and phone were torn from me as they pulled me out from the trunk of the car while Chao tried to hold me in.”
Jessalyn’s dad, Jerry Shen, tried fighting off the looters and the family was able to get away. But it didn’t end there as the looters still reportedly followed them and even tried to ram them off the road.
The looters left them alone after the Shens called the nearby police for help.
This incident is only one of many in NYC’s Chinatown, leaving businesses plundered and storefronts destroyed.
Small businesses in Portland, Tampa, and Minneapolis were also vandalized and robbed.
Here is a compilation of where to donate to help those who have lost their source of income because of looting and the pandemic.
