Malden Police Investigating Incident During AAPI Demonstration

MALDEN, MA — Police are investigating an incident reported during a demonstration in support of the local Asian community on Saturday.

Detective Lt. Mike Powell, civil rights officer for the Malden Police Department, said allegations of a civil rights violation and other offenses came during a gathering to raise awareness of hate crimes and intolerance directed toward members of the Asian community.

Powell did not offer details about the incident but said a 36-year-old man has been identified in connection with the allegations. The man has no known Malden ties and is not affiliated with any hate groups, Powell said.

The man has connections in communities north of Malden, including New Hampshire, he added.

"Per my wishes, as the civil rights officer entrusted with conducting civil rights violations investigations, I have requested that a detailed account of the incident not be disclosed until I am satisfied that my investigation is complete and charges have been brought forward, if and when charges are applicable, according to the law," Powell said in a statement.

Malden police and the mayor's office are prioritizing the incident and will provide further information when the investigation is complete, he said.