Tou Ger Xiong: Renowned Minnesota activist killed after being kidnapped while vacationing in Colombia

MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA: A renowned Minnesota comedian and activist was murdered after he was abducted while vacationing in Colombia, his family said. Tou Ger Xiong, 50, an activist in the Twin Cities Hmong community, was kidnapped in Medellín after going on a date with a woman he met on social media, Colombian newspaper El Colombiano reported, citing local officials.

“It is with immense sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the discovery of the body of our beloved family member, Tou Ger Xiong who had been the victim of a kidnapping and murder,” his family said in a statement.

“This has been an incredibly challenging time for our family and we appreciate the support and understanding of our community during this difficult period," the statement added.

According to the Bush Foundation, Xiong was a Hmong American storyteller who shared his "personal stories across the country to build cultural competency and address racial discrimination." He was named a Bush Fellow in 2019 for his social justice work.

What did Tou Ger Xiong's brother say?

Eh Xiong, Tou Ger’s brother, told several outlets, including KARE 11, that he got a call from his brother on Sunday, December 10, asking for $2,000 which the alleged kidnappers wanted as ransom. Eh told KSTP that he didn’t know if his brother ever got the money.

Tou Ger Xiong attended a concert a week before his death

El Colombiano reported that Xiong was found in a ravine with stab wounds and blunt force trauma. The paper also reported that he had been in the country since November 29. According to Xiong’s Facebook which has over 19,000 followers, he attended a Karol G concert in Medellin a week before his death.

Sahan Journal reported that Xiong was born in Laos and lived in a refugee camp in Thailand before moving with his family to St Paul as a child.

“This is devastating news,” US Representative Betty McCollom wrote in a post on X. “My heart goes out to Tou Ger Xiong’s family & our entire Hmong community. As a comedian and activist, his work touched many lives in the Twin Cities and beyond,” McCollom added.

"This is a heartbreaking tragedy," Senator Amy Klobuchar said in a statement. "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," Klobuchar said.

Meanwhile, Xiong’s family said they are in the process of starting a foundation in his name. “Tou Ger Xiong was a cherished member of our family, and the pain of his loss is indescribable,” the family said. “We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have offered their condolences, thoughts and prayers," they said.