[Report] New York Unlocks from COVID, Locks Down Again Due to Protests

Protests Intensify Over Black Death Incident
No Harm to Korean Community
Concerns Over Economic Recovery Setback

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 31st of last month (local time) at Broadway 57th Street in New York City, workers were busily moving around the main entrance of the Nordstrom department store.

On the 31st, police vehicles surrounded the Trump Hotel located in Manhattan, New York. The day before, a protest against President Trump was held in front of this hotel.

Although New York City announced the first phase of economic normalization starting from the 8th, the workers were completely boarding up the store's main entrance with wood. This was not preparation for reopening but a move toward stronger control.

As protests against the death of Black man George Floyd spread across the United States, tension is rising in New York City, the heart of the American economy. With looting occurring nationwide, this is a precaution against any possible situation. On this day, many stores across New York City were closed. Especially on 5th Avenue, lined with luxury stores, the entire street was silent. They did not operate that day out of concern for looting by protesters.

In particular, the anxiety felt by ordinary people such as small business owners and self-employed individuals is significant. Kim Ji-young, a Korean resident met at the famous Green Flea Market in New York, said, "Due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the number of customers in the market has greatly decreased," and expressed concern that "if the protest situation spreads, it will inevitably affect our livelihoods."

On the 31st of last month, workers were constructing a wooden barricade at the main entrance of the Nordstrom department store located in Manhattan.

Security around Trump Tower in New York was also strengthened. Police vehicles filled the area in front of the Trump Hotel near Columbus Circle, the gateway to Central Park. The day before, protesters who refused police orders to move in front of Trump Tower were arrested.

The protests are likely to spread further. At a rally in Washington DC the previous day, clashes occurred between protesters and Secret Service (SS) agents guarding the White House, and Lafayette Park near the White House was set on fire. The Veterans Affairs building, a federal government facility, was damaged by protesters. As the protesters headed toward the White House, they shouted President Donald Trump's name, loudly demanding "Trump must go" and "Vote."

President Trump increased his criticism of the protesters. He labeled the protest leaders as 'far-left extremists' and announced plans to designate 'Antifa' as a terrorist organization. Antifa is a term referring to far-left groups opposing far-right fascists. He further emphasized 'law and order' through Twitter and described the protesters as anarchists, urging Democratic governors and mayors to take a tough stance.