Increased Police Visibility Patrols Ordered By Gov. Hogan

MARYLAND — Gov. Larry Hogan has directed the Maryland State Police to work with police chiefs and sheriffs across the state to increase enhanced visibility patrols in response to the increase in anti-Asian violence and discrimination.

During a news conference held in Ellicott City, the governor also encouraged victims and witnesses to report incidents to the state’s Hate Crimes Hotline at 1-866-481-8361. Hogan called upon Congress to pass legislation to improve and expand the reporting of hate crimes and urged federal and state prosecutors to investigate alleged hate crimes.

Hogan was joined by First Lady Yumi Hogan, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Asian American business and community leaders who shared their stories during the news conference. Before the event, Hogan toured Asian-owned businesses along what's referred to as Korean Way, a state-designated five-mile stretch located along Route 40 in Ellicott City.

“Our national motto is ‘E Pluribus Unum’: ‘out of many—one.’ Living up to that ideal will take more listening, understanding, and supporting each other, and it will take all of us working together, to confront all these things that are threatening to tear us apart,” Hogan said during the news conference. “My sincere hope is that more leaders across our country will stand up and speak out about the need to confront and defeat the challenge of anti-Asian discrimination, hate and violence.”

First Lady Yumi Hogan spoke during the news conference, noting that "we are all Americans and all immigrants to this land."

“This is where Asian Americans build our lives just like so many others, so no one should hear ‘go back’ to somewhere. This is our home. Stop the hate. Hate has no home here," she said.