In response to an alarming increase in attacks on the Asian community, elected officials and local leaders gathered in Bensonhurst Monday night to stand in solidarity with Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. 

They’re calling for bystander intervention training and more education. 

They’re also encouraging more people to come forward. 

Vanessa Chen, 16, says she was walking home around 3 p.m. on March 14, when a man approached her. 

“Rude words were exchanged, he spat on me, and I was walking away he attacked me from behind,” said Chen. 

She says she was thankful that a bystander helped her. She says the man who attacked her walked away calmly, long before police arrived at the scene. 

Chen says she’s concerned that the suspect might hurt someone else. 

News 12 reached out to the NYPD about the incident and has not heard back yet.