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Indian-American Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar's office vandalized
The vandalization has spurred debate on the ongoing threats women face in politics, especially women of color.
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Indian American Assembly woman Jenifer Rajkumar / mage - X @JeniferRajkumar
Indian American Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar's district office in Queens was vandalized in the early hours of last week, with a vandal shattering the front door by hurling a rock through the glass.
Surveillance footage circulated online captures the perpetrator approaching the office, picking up a large rock from the sidewalk, and throwing it through the front door, leaving shattered glass scattered across the entrance.
“Today, my district office was vandalized. The office door containing my image was completely smashed. Video footage captures the perpetrator committing this act in the dead of night around 4am,” Rajkumar said in a statement reported by QNS.
Rajkumar, who represents the neighbourhoods of Glendale, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, and Woodhaven, responded to the incident by condemning the act of vandalism and reaffirming her commitment to her work. “Every act of targeting and intimidation just makes our team stronger,” she reaffirmed.
The attack has been met with widespread condemnation. ‘They See Blue NY’, a political organization dedicated to the mobilization and empowerment of South Asian communities, denounced the act as a troubling example of political violence, particularly against women of color. In their statement, the organization emphasized the need for a political environment free from fear and violence.
“This incident is not only an assault on Assemblywoman Rajkumar, but a troubling example of the broader issue of political violence, which is especially prevalent towards women of color. We're glad Assemblywoman Rajkumar and her team are safe,” the organization said in a statement.
Rajkumar, the first Indian American woman elected to the New York State Legislature, is working closely with the NYPD to investigate the incident. She recently announced her bid for NYC Comptroller.
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