Elected officials pay tribute to spa shooting victims, demand action against gun violence
ATLANTA - Solemn words for a solemn anniversary. On March 16, 2021, a gunman killed eight people at three metro Atlanta massage businesses — one in Cherokee County and two in Atlanta. Police arrested 22-year-old Robert Aaron Long, who received life in prison for the murders in Cherokee County and could face the death penalty in Fulton County.
The killings increased awareness of the fear among Asian Americans already experiencing a rise in hostility.
President Joe Biden issued a statement condemned racism, misogyny and the "epidemic of gun violence," calling on Congress to act and take measures to reduce deadly shootings.
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A collection of signs and flowers commemorating the victims of the Atlanta-area spa shootings on March 16, 2021. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
"One year ago today, eight people, six of them women of Asian descent, were tragically killed by a gunman who attacked three Asian-run businesses. These horrific murders shook communities across America and underscored how far we have to go in this country to fight racism, misogyny, and all forms of hate—and the epidemic of gun violence that enables these extremists.
"In the aftermath of these senseless deaths, the Vice President and I traveled to Atlanta to meet with leaders of the Asian American community. We heard about the terror and anguish that too many Asian Americans have felt since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when anti-Asian xenophobia, harassment, and violence skyrocketed to alarming levels. Grandparents afraid to leave their homes. Small business owners targeted and gunned down. Families living in fear for their lives just walking down the street in America. It was a stark reminder that anti-Asian violence and discrimination have deep roots in our nation, with Asian American women experiencing the compounded harms of being targeted on account of their race as well as their gender.
"Today, we honor the victims, their families, and the Atlanta community that has shown extraordinary resilience in the face of tragedy. While nothing we do can bring the victims back, their loss has compelled us to reckon with our nation’s long legacy of anti-Asian sentiment and gender-based violence, and recommit ourselves to delivering the full measure of justice, safety, and dignity the Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community and all communities deserve. I was proud to sign the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law last May, which dedicated new tools and resources across government and law enforcement to help prevent, track, and respond to acts of hate, along with new Department of Justice grants and other measures to enhance community engagement, empowerment, and education.
"This tragedy is also yet another reminder of the gun violence epidemic. My Administration has taken more executive action to reduce gun violence than any other Administration it its first year. But there is more to do—and Congress must act.
"On this somber anniversary, my Administration remains fully committed to advancing safety, inclusion, and belonging for all Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders—especially the women and girls who disproportionately bear the burdens of hate—and to reducing the gun violence that terrorizes our communities. Together, we must build a future where no one fears violence."
ADVOCACY GROUPS REFLECT ON PROGRESS MADE IN THE LAST YEAR
During Biden’s first week in office, he signed a presidential memorandum to condemn and combat racism, xenophobia and intolerance against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were in Atlanta days after the deadly shootings at the three metro-area massage businesses.
Other elected officials from Georgia and Atlanta joined the voices marking the tragic anniversary. Sen Raphael Warnock planned to deliver remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate to highlight the "continued importance of working to #StopAsianHate."
The Atlanta City Council shared a tribute, recalling the names of all eight victims.
VICTIMS' FAMILIES CONTINUE TO HEAL, WAIT FOR JUSTICE 1 YEAR LATER