CA License Plate 'ASN FLU' Ignites Online Controversy

CALIFORNIA — An image of a California SUV recently circulated on social media, sparking outrage for its Trump 2020 sticker above an "ASN FLU" license plate.

The 2013 Chevrolet Suburban is registered in California and was purchased at Rio Vista Chevrolet in Buellton, according to Vincheck.info.

"People like this aren't just ignorant, but they actively spread hate," an Instagram user wrote. "Hate which has lead to the surge in violence against Asians."

The circulation of the vehicle's image, captured on the road, follows an uptick in discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the coronavirus pandemic and the Atlanta killings that shook the nation last month.

In the past several weeks, advocates have been calling for an end to an uprising of discrimination, organizing demonstrations and launching fundraising efforts for those affected.

The license plate was also coupled with a sticker for former President Donald Trump's 2020 campaign. Trump often dubbed the coronavirus the "Chinese virus."

A recent report released by Stop AAPI Hate recorded 3,795 incidents of harassment and assault against Asian Americans in the U.S. between Feb. 28 and March 19.

What's more, an analysis of police department statistics revealed that hate crimes targeting Asian Americans rose by almost 150 percent in 2020. The study was released by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino.