SEYMOUR — Police are investigating racist threats allegedly made against a Chinese food restaurant.
In a statement on Facebook Friday, Sushi & Wok on North Street said the business received multiple phone calls from people blaming the COVID-19 pandemic on them.
“It has been a very difficult and trying time for many local businesses and restaurants,” the statement reads. “As we struggle to keep our business open, not only do we face the challenges of paying rent and dues, but we also deal with harassments from people who threaten to do harm to our employees and business. We got multiple calls today from callers who blame the pandemic on us, swearing and threatening to come in with arms and shoot the place down. We have reached out to local police enforcement concerning these calls, and hope that they will come to a full stop.”
The post was met with a wave of positive comments, including promises from Valley residents to spend money there.
“We are so very sorry you’re experiencing such bigotry and hatred,” said Tara Carrigg- Stachacz on the restaurant’s Facebook page. “We are ordering one take out meal a week . . We will place an order as soon as we can. We will support you.”
Seymour police have received the complaint, Seymour Deputy Police Chief Roberto N. Rinaldi confirmed Friday.
“We did receive a complaint from the restaurant today. This incident remains under investigation and will be referred to the detective bureau for further investigation. There is no additional information at this time,” Rinaldi said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the U.S. economy to a standstill. Restaurants are being hit especially hard, since new rules aimed at tampering the spread of the disease require eateries to provide takeout/delivery only.
According to an article published by The Hill, harassment of Asian-Americans is on the increase because of ignorant reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Businesses are a common target, the article points out.
The first COVID-19 case was described in Wuhan, China in November 2019.
The harassment is not needed, Sushi & Wok pointed out in its Facebook post.
“Many people have no idea how difficult it is to continue operating a small restaurant with the constant fear that someone will come in and tear the place down. There is no need to spread ignorance, hatred, and destruction in our community in a time like this. I appreciate you all for reading this and hope that no other take-out places have to go through what we did.
Thank you all for your support, we hope that every family and local business continues to stay safe.”
