Campaign signs for Dave Min, a candidate running for the U.S. House of Representatives, have been defaced with anti-Asian hate messages, inciting anger among local residents.
On the morning of October 8, residents in California’s 47th Congressional District reported to the Korea Daily that around 10 of Min’s signs in Huntington Beach had been vandalized with the racial slur “G**K,” written in silver spray paint.
The term is a derogatory slur used against Asian immigrants, including Koreans, Chinese, and Vietnamese, and is widely recognized as a symbol of racial hatred and contempt.
A campaign sign for Dave Min, a U.S. House of Representatives candidate, was found defaced with anti-Asian hate messages in Huntington Beach, sparking outrage among local residents. [Courtesy of a reader]
Min’s campaign has reported the incident to the Huntington Beach Police Department, requesting a full investigation.
In response, Min stated, “Acts that incite division and conflict within our community must be eradicated. I am concerned that this graffiti may reflect the xenophobia and disdain for foreigners promoted by Trump’s camp.”
He also added, “Given the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes since the pandemic, we can only view this as a criminal act that undermines the hard-earned contributions of immigrants.”
The Huntington Beach Police Department responded to a second incident of Min’s signs being vandalized at Magnolia Street and Mediterranean Drive and arrested a suspect. The suspect, Kevin William Walker, 62, of Fountain Valley, was arrested on suspicion of vandalism of property worth $400 or more, according to the police department.
It is still unclear if he is connected to the first vandalism incident or if these signs also contained hateful language.
As news of the defaced signs spread online, Irvine resident Kim In-young expressed shock, saying, “It’s embarrassing and horrifying to think that my children might see this. It reminds me that we need to be very careful with our votes.”
Meanwhile, Scott Baugh, a Republican former member of the California State Assembly, is running against Min for the 47th District seat.
The battleground district could play a key role in determining which party controls Congress come January. About 35% of its residents are registered Republicans and 35% are registered Democrats, according to the California secretary of state.
BY BRIAN CHOI, YOUNGNAM KIM [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
