ST PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota's Hmong community is grieving after the death of artist and activist Tou Ger Xiong.
The 50-year-old's family says he was killed while visiting South America, and learned of his death Tuesday morning. Xiong's brother, Eh Xiong, said he last spoke to him Sunday night and wasn't aware he was in any kind of trouble.
A Colombian newspaper reports Tou Ger Xiong was kidnapped and killed while on a date over the weekend.
"I'm out of words to describe," said Eh Xiong. "I don't even know how I feel right now."
Eh Xiong said when he talked to his brother, he asked for $2,000, but Eh Xiong was boarding a flight from Seattle back to Minnesota and couldn't send the money right away. A day trader, he said it wasn't unusual for Tou Ger Xiong to ask for money.
"This time he's like, 'Do you have a couple thousand?' And I'm like, 'Yah, no problem,'" said Eh Xiong. "I said, 'When you do you want it?' And he said, 'I want it now because I'm in a bit of a situation here.'"
By the next morning, Eh Xiong said his brother was no longer responding to his texts. Police and the embassy in Colombia are in contact with the family, along with several Minnesota lawmakers.
"I was confused, to be honest with you," said Xiong. "I don't know what the motive is."
Tou Ger Xiong was well known in St. Paul. He was a refugee from Laos and became a comedian and activist, helping to bridge cultural gaps.
"He truly believes in equity work and fighting for the underprivileged," said Eh Xiong. "Many times I always teased him saying, 'You're not getting paid, Why are you doing it?' But it's what motivates him."
The Colombian newspaper also reports Tou Ger Xiong was found outside an apartment building, stabbed multiple times.
In a statement, Senator Amy Klobuchar's office writes, "This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Tou Ger was an incredible person who was constantly working to uplift his community. My office is in contact with Tou Ger’s family and the embassy in Columbia as they work to bring his body back to Minnesota. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time."
While Senator Tina Smith's office says it is working to safely bring Tou Ger Xiong's remains back to Minnesota, adding: “What happened to Tou Ger is heartbreaking. Archie and I can't imagine what his family is going through. We're praying for all of them," said Senator Smith. "I have been in contact with the State Department since we first learned he was missing and I will work to ensure his remains are safely transported back to Minnesota. My thoughts are with his family, his friends and the entire Hmong community as they grieve the loss of Tou Ger, and hope they find strength in their memories of him."
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