Minn. Comedian and Activist Was Kidnapped and Killed While in Colombia, Family Says

Tou Ger Xiong, 50, was reportedly on a date before he was kidnapped

A Minnesota comedian and activist was kidnapped and killed while on vacation in Colombia, his family says.

Tou Ger Xiong, 50, a well-known 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 family said they are cooperating with the law enforcement agencies investigating the crime.

Eh Xiong, Tou Ger’s brother, told several outlets, including KARE 11, that he got a call from his brother on Sunday 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.

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 Nov. 29.

According to Xiong’s Facebook, which has over 19,000 followers, he attended a Karol G concert in Medellín 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.

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“This is devastating news,” U.S. Rep. Betty McCollom wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “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.”

Xiong’s family says 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 says. “We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have offered their condolences, thoughts and prayers.” 

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