ATLANTA — Many people are reacting to the horrific shootings at several spas in metro Atlanta on Tuesday. The rampage left eight people dead and one other injured.
The suspect, 21-year-old Robert Aaron Long, of Woodstock, was arrested after a brief chase in Crisp County, Georgia.
Here are some of the reactions from local and national leaders and Asian-American groups:
Stop Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Hate:
The reported shootings of Asian American women on Tuesday in Atlanta is an unspeakable tragedy – for the families of the victims first and foremost, but also for the AAPI community — which has been reeling from high levels of racial discrimination. https://t.co/rBVPnrEBps
— Stop AAPI Hate (@StopAAPIHate) March 17, 2021
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp:
Our entire family is praying for the victims of these horrific acts of violence.
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) March 17, 2021
We deeply appreciate the quick apprehension of a suspect by @ga_dps in coordination with local and federal law enforcement. https://t.co/9Rtv3g0NUG
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms:
Mayor @KeishaBottoms' statement on the overnight shootings in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/sJjINpG1jn
— City of Atlanta, GA (@CityofAtlanta) March 17, 2021
Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams:
8 People Murdered. Words have power. #StopAsianHate
— Nikema Williams (@NikemaWilliams) March 17, 2021
Georgia Congresswoman Lucy McBath:
The pain felt by the families and communities targeted by this violence is excruciating. Every single time another family is ripped apart our communities are devastated.https://t.co/b1WFCmREfH
— Lucy McBath (@lucymcbath) March 17, 2021
Georgia Congressman Barry Loudermilk:
[1/2] My staff members and I are horrified by the violent shootings that took place at businesses in Woodstock and Atlanta this afternoon. Our prayers are with the families of the victims this evening, and for healing for those injured.
— Rep. Barry Loudermilk (@RepLoudermilk) March 17, 2021
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC):
We’re horrified by the news coming out of GA at a time when we’re already seeing a spike in anti-Asian violence. Although details are still unfolding, at least half of the victims appear to be Asian American women. Our hearts go out to the victims & their families. #StopAsianHate https://t.co/EP5y0h7Y3f
— CAPAC (@CAPAC) March 17, 2021
California Congresswoman Judy Chu:
I am utterly devastated to learn about the 8 people senselessly shot to death in Georgia tonight. 6 of these victims are Asian American women. Our community has been facing a retlentless increase in attacks and harassment over the past year..(1/2) https://t.co/HXfpS8bvmK
— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) March 17, 2021
Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee:
1/3 I am outraged at the senseless violent killing of eight people in Atlanta, of which many may be from the Asian American community. The hateful acts against Asian Americans that has occurred recently must cease and desist. America is in the midst of acts of violence by pic.twitter.com/7BxPmVTKjz
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) March 17, 2021
California Congressman Mark Takano:
My heart breaks for the victims of the shootings in Georgia, their families, and their community.
— Mark Takano (@RepMarkTakano) March 17, 2021
It’s so important to offer our support to the Asian American community, which is already experiencing a heightened sense of fear as we see a rise in anti-AAPI hate nationwide.
New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.
I am devastated for the victims of this murderous racist. The vile bigotry that targeted these Americans and others is a stain on all of us and must be stamped out. https://t.co/AEXnvkr79V
— Bill Pascrell, Jr. (@BillPascrell) March 17, 2021
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