June 8, 2020
The Shen and Chang family have done business and operated a store in Fordham, New York for over 40 years. On June 1st, during the Fordham riots, Fordham Gold & King’s Jewelry owners found themselves viciously attacked, robbed, and beaten.
A family member explains their horrifying ordeal on their GoFundMe page.
“We were stuck trying to securely close the store but looters came in hordes and forced open our store gate and flooded in. We tried to get out. We tried to keep important items safe. But they saw. As we tried to get into our car, they attacked us. They smashed our windows. They attacked with crowbars, pipes, and bricks. They pulled my mom from the car.”
“As my boyfriend Chao held onto her, they broke her leg. My jewelry, shoes, and phone were torn from me as they pulled me out from the trunk of the car while Chao tried to hold me in. My dad tried to fight them off and when we were finally able to drive away, they followed us. They got into their cars and tried to ram us off the road. We sped towards the police barricade and as the police surrounded us the looters drove away.”
“Black lives matter. Black communities matter. This movement matters. These protests matter. We need to bring justice to the lives lost and healing to the communities. The Fordham community needs healing now. Please support the families and businesses that have been affected. I thank everyone that has come to the aid of my family and the heroes that work at St. Barnabas Hospital and SeniorCare EMS.”
“We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers and generosity. If anyone has information regarding the individuals on the security camera footage please contact the 46th Bronx precinct.”
Jessalyn Shen, the GoFundMe organizer gave an update today, June 8.
“Our mother has been downgraded from the ICU after 2 trips to the operating room and is awaiting her (hopefully) final trip to the operating room for her leg. The police have begun filling their report and we said goodbye to our car as it was declared totalled beyond repair.”
“We have yet to begin picking up the pieces of what remains of our store and address stolen items as our family heals physically and emotionally. To our customers, we thank you and ask for patience and understanding.”
You can find their GoFundMe page by clicking HERE
Feature Images via GoFundMe