We mourn the tragic loss of Michelle Go, an Asian American woman who was fatally shoved in front of a subway car at the Times Square station Jan. 15. We send our condolences to Michelle’s family, friends, to the Asian community, and all those who are mourning her. While her death is not currently being investigated as a hate crime, we stand in solidarity with the Asian American community grappling with this tragedy and all anti-Asian violence and bigotry.
This horrific display of violence illustrates the need for comprehensive, well-funded mental health care in this country. Many New Yorkers living on the streets and subways have severe mental health disabilities and are unable to get treatment, and this lack of treatment can lead to unpredictable and/or violent behaviors. Addressing violent crimes in our communities does not have to involve punitive or carceral measures. By leading with compassion and care, we can reduce the amount of violence in the nation and benefit the ill and healthy alike. At Mobilization for Justice, we remain committed to doing everything we can for those experiencing mental health challenges in the communities we serve.