Fight for Justice: Elderly Fil-Ams Attacked

Dear Friends of the Filipino-American Community,

We are heartbroken to share the tragic story of an elderly Filipino American couple who fell victim to a brutal attack and attempted robbery at the State Capitol in Sacramento on February 1, 2023. The physical injuries and emotional trauma they endured are unimaginable, and we cannot fathom the pain they are going through.

We must rally together to support this beloved couple during their time of need. As a community, we can provide financial assistance to help offset their medical bills, lost income, and other expenses they may incur as a result of this devastating crime. We ask you to donate at least $20 to help provide some relief to this couple and their family.

Nicanor Arriola, a freelance photographer, was left deeply scarred by the heinous act of violence he and his wife experienced. The couple was innocently taking pictures in a public park on the grounds of the Sacramento State Capitol building when the perpetrators, a menacing man and an accomplice driver, who appear to be African Americans, suddenly appeared.

Nicanor, who was wearing his media identification badge, and his wife were just minding their own business when the attacker began to repeatedly punch and kick them mercilessly. The couple was left helpless, lying on the ground as they were brutally assaulted.

Nicanor face and hands bore the marks of the attack, with bruises and cuts visible on his skin. The pain he felt was unbearable, with six of his ribs being broken. Meanwhile, his wife suffered injuries to her legs, and both of them were admitted to the University of California Davis Medical Center for treatment.

It was reported that the attackers hurled curses at them as they beat them up, their violent actions captured on camera by a witness.

The couple's camera equipment was left by the attacker, who fled the scene by car. In their haste to escape, they narrowly missed running over Julienne, Nic's wife. Thankfully, the Sacramento police apprehended one of the perpetrators and now in police custody awaiting the filing of charges.

The attack on Nic and his wife was a terrifying and deeply traumatic experience. The couple, who were simply enjoying a peaceful day taking photographs, were subjected to senseless violence that left them with physical and emotional scars that will take a long time to heal.

His income has been negatively impacted by the injuries he sustained during the attack. We cannot imagine the emotional and financial burden that this has placed on him and his family.

We implore you to join us in calling for justice. As an organization, NaFFAA GLA, we strongly condemn this brutal act of violence and demand that California Attorney General Rob Bonta investigate this crime as a potential Anti-Asian hate crime. We must hold the attackers accountable for their actions and ensure that justice is served.

Please donate what you can and spread the word to help this couple in their time of need. Your generosity will help ease their burden and show them that they are not alone.

Let us unite in love and solidarity and send a clear message that hate and violence have no place in our society. Together, we can make a difference and create a safer, more inclusive community for all.

Thank you for your support and compassion.

#StopAsianHate #JusticeForFilAmCouple #HateCrimeMustStopWant to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Naffaa Greater Los Angeles, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.