The Asian Justice Movement organized events nationwide to commemorate the deadly shooting spree at three metro Atlanta massage spas nearly three years ago.
Key points:
- Activists across four major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York City, gathered on Saturday to remember the eight people killed. The events also featured dance and music performances as part of the effort to bring people together in commemoration and solidarity.
- Vice President Kamala Harris expressed solidarity with the Asian community, emphasizing the need to combat gun violence and hate.
Catch up:
- On March 16, 2021, Robert Aaron Long, the then 21-year-old shooter, purchased a rifle and went on a shooting spree at two Asian spas and a massage parlor in Atlanta and Acworth, resulting in the deaths of eight people, including six Asian women.
- Long has since pleaded guilty in Cherokee County and is serving a life sentence while awaiting trial in Atlanta, where prosecutors seek the death penalty. Despite Long denying ethnicity as a motive, many Asian American groups believe otherwise. The shootings occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and were widely perceived as hate crimes, contributing to the “Stop Asian Hate” movement.
The details:
- On the anniversary of the tragedy, hundreds gathered nationwide, including at the Korean Community Center in Gwinnett County, to honor the victims and stand against discrimination. Family members of the victims also attended, including Mike Webb, husband of one of the victims, who reflected on how the event had forever changed their lives.
- Nam Le, a performer at the event, told WSB-TV that prior to the shooting, the Asian community felt they hadn’t sufficiently stood up for themselves. However, the tragedy “sparked something and brought us all together,” empowering the community to come together in solidarity.
- The ceremony saw significant involvement from young individuals, engaging in musical performances, speeches…
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