Following the tragic police shooting of Victoria Lee, a 25-year-old Korean American woman in Fort Lee, local advocacy groups held a community response meeting on August 22, 2025, for attendees to voice their concerns, feelings, and demands. The event, hosted in partnership with the Korean American Association of NJ, Korean Community Center (KCC), AAPI New Jersey, MinKwon Center for Community Action NJ, Bergen Students Demand Action, and Fort Lee Chinese Americans, drew a large turnout from community members seeking answers and accountability.

Attendees voiced frustration over the lack of transparency and action from law enforcement. Many expressed feeling unsafe and unheard by the very institutions tasked with protecting them. When the audience was asked, “Does anyone here today feel safe calling 911?” the answer was unanimously: no. Victoria’s parents had called 911 in hopes of getting help for their daughter, who was in distress, but instead of receiving the mental health support they sought, the situation escalated tragically.

Attendees emphasized the importance of having trained mental health professionals, rather than police, respond to such emergencies. The establishment of non-police, community-led crisis intervention teams was another suggestion to prevent further unnecessary deaths in situations like Victoria’s.

Beyond policy changes, there was a resounding call for collective action. Speakers urged the public to raise awareness, press political leaders for reforms, and continue building momentum to ensure that this tragedy results in lasting change. Attendees shared a sense of responsibility—not only to demand justice for Victoria but also to push for systemic improvements that would benefit the entire community.