Eight people were killed in the shootings.
ATLANTA – The leaders of Georgia are responding amid a national deluge of prayers and calls to action after eight people were killed in shootings in three separate massage parlors in the Atlanta area Tuesday. A suspect is in custody and the police have not disclosed the charges he will face.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp was one of those who offered condolences online. The governor also praised the actions of law enforcement officers in arresting the suspect.
In a tweet, Governor Kemp wrote: “Our entire family prays for the victims of this appalling violence. We deeply appreciate @ga_dps’ speedy arrest of a suspect in coordination with local and federal law enforcement agencies.”
Georgian Attorney General Chris Carr also offered thoughts and prayers, demanding that justice be served.
Our thoughts and prayers go with the victims and their families. Justice must be served.
We are grateful for the quick work of @ga_dps and the local authorities in arresting a suspect in this pointless crime. https://t.co/n6If9Kie7Z
– GA AG Chris Carr (@Georgia_AG), March 17, 2021
The city of Atlanta made the following statement Wednesday morning: “I commend law enforcement for their speedy work in arresting a suspect in yesterday’s tragic shootings. A motive is still not clear, but a crime against a community is a crime against us all. I have stayed in close contact with the White House and the APD as they work with partners at the federal, state and local levels to investigate the suspect responsible for this senseless violence in our city.
“My prayers go to the families and friends of the victims whose lives were shortened by these shootings.”
8 people murdered. Words have power. #StopAsianHate
– Nikema Williams (@NikemaWilliams) March 17, 2021
“Today’s attacks against members of the Asian-American community in Georgia are absolutely horrific,” said Congresswoman Nikema Williams, leader of the Democratic Party of Georgia, in a statement shared with 11Alive, violence against Asian Americans that skyrocketed during this pandemic . Our thoughts go with the victims and their families, as well as the entire AAPI community in Georgia and across the country, which has been severely affected by racism and hatred.
“An attack on our Asian American neighbors is an attack on all of us and will not be ignored or left unanswered. The Georgia Democrats stand in solidarity with our AAPI community and will fight for true accountability for this violence, “Williams said.
Senator Raphael Warnock said his “heart was broken” for those affected. “Once again we see that hate kills,” he tweeted.
My heart is broken tonight after the tragic violence in Atlanta that cost eight lives. Once again we see that hatred is deadly. Pray for the families of the victims and for peace for the community.
– Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@ReverendWarnock) March 17, 2021
The Asian Americans who promote justice in Atlanta also posted a statement on their Twitter account saying they were “shocked by the violence in our city.”
We are shocked by the violence in our city that has killed 8 people, including members of the Asian-American community. We collect information about what happened and what needs are directly affected. Now is the time to hold the victims and their families in our hearts and with light. Pic.twitter.com/Hft5H7IZNW
– AdvancingJusticeATL (@AAAJ_Atlanta) March 17, 2021
In the meantime, Dr. Bernice King joined the many online offers with the hashtag #StopAsianHate.
My heart goes out to the families and communities of the eight people murdered in Atlanta subway spas. I am deeply sad that we live in a nation and world that is steeped in hatred and violence. I stand by Asian members of our world house who are part of our global human family.
– Be a King (@BerniceKing) March 17, 2021
Robert Aaron Long – the suspect
Robert Long, 21, of Woodstock, Georgia, is the sole suspect for all three shootings. According to Cherokee County officials, the video surveillance at the Atlanta spas shows the same man and car as the video at the Cherokee County spa.
Just before 9:00 p.m. on March 16, Cherokee officials said he was arrested in Crisp County, Georgia, off I-75 in south-central Georgia, about 150 miles south of Atlanta. Officials said 11Alive’s Jon Shirek a Georgia State Patrol soldier used a PIT maneuver to stop his vehicle after MPs recognized him.
The Crisp County Sheriff’s Office announced that 11Alive Long was extradited to Cherokee County early Wednesday morning.
