As Colombian authorities continue to investigate the alleged kidnapping and murder of a Hmong American comedian and activist, tributes pour in from loved ones and leaders in his home state of Minnesota.
Tou Ger Xiong, 50, was found dead Monday in a wooded area of the northern city Medellín.
Prosecutors told reporters that Xiong arrived in Medellín on Nov. 29. He went to meet a friend in the city on Dec. 10. Hours later, he called a friend in the United States to tell him that he was kidnapped and his captors demanded a $2,000 ransom to free him, according to prosecutors.
He’s being remembered by many, including St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, who paid tribute to Xiong in a series of tweets Wednesday, saying he was “too full of life to be snatched away so suddenly.”
“He was one of the funniest and most sincere people I’ve ever met.” Carter said. “A community leader, accomplished storyteller & comedian, the first Hmong rapper, and an absolute karaoke master in any genre of music. His light enlivened everyone around him. … If you ever saw a guy dancing at one of my campaign events wearing a James Brown (or Elvis) costume & a permanent laugh, you’ve met Tou Ger.”
“Tou Ger Xiong touched the lives of many in the Twin Cities and beyond through his comedy and activism,” Gov. Tim Waltz tweeted on Wednesday. “Gwen and I are thinking of his family and community after this tragic loss.”
Yiri Amado Sánchez, sectional director of Medellín prosecutor’s office, indicated that another friend of the activist reported the kidnapping for ransom — a common occurrence in the city. The office did not identify the friend by name.
“The man was the victim of a kidnapping,” Sánchez said, adding that the alleged kidnappers didn’t collect the money.
Xiong, who lived in the St. Paul, Minnesota, suburb of Woodbury, was a comedian, entertainer, storyteller and social justice activist. He talked about his Hmong heritage and immigrant experience to forge…
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