Pierce County Director Of Health Chen Attacked In Tacoma

TACOMA, WA — Tacoma -Pierce County Health Department Director of Health Anthony L-T Chen says he is "banged up and sore" after he was attacked by a stranger earlier this week.

As Chen explains, early Wednesday morning he had been crossing the Chihuly Bridge of Glass in Tacoma when he saw a man he believed was damaging public property. According to Chen, he calmly asked the man to stop, but the man only got heated, so Chen tried to leave. As he walked away, the man knocked him to the ground and punched him again several times as he tried to stand up and get away.

He eventually managed to escape and took himself to the emergency room, where he was treated for his injuries. Despite the attack, he says he suffered no serious wounds.

According to Chen's blog post about the incident on the Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department's website, the director of health says he does not think the attack was racially motivated or linked to his role as a public health leader:

"People have asked me: was I targeted because I was Asian or because of my role as Director of Health at the Health Department?

"I do not think so but the fact that people have to ask is a sad commentary for our times. I recently wrote about the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans during the pandemic. Public health officials nationwide have been threatened, fired, or pushed to resign as they made difficult and unpopular decisions; Washington public health officials have suffered as well."

Chen's attacker remains on the loose, though the Tacoma Police Department has been contacted and are investigating the incident, the News Tribune reported.

Meanwhile, Chen says he believes the attack is an important reminder for him, and for the community, that we must all push back against violence and hate.

"I will heal from the violent encounter and—as Director of Health for Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department—I will do everything in my capacity to help heal our communities and prevent violence of all forms," writes Chen. "Together, we can shift attitudes and behaviors. We can dismantle the institutions and systems that perpetuate violence, poverty, injustice, and racism. We can identify and treat mental health and substance issues. We can eliminate adverse community environments and replace them with supportive environments that promote healthy social and emotional development and resilience."