The gunman who opened fire on three spas in the Atlanta area and killed eight people, including six who were Asian women, said the rage had no racial reasons, authorities said Wednesday. Still, local police said it was too early to rule out a hate crime.
The shooting sparked fears in the Asian community across the country, which has seen rising racist violence and hate crimes during the coronavirus pandemic. According to a new report, Asian Americans have reported nearly 3,800 hate incidents in the past year.
The 21-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with eight counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault.
VIRGINIE KIPPELEN / AFP through Getty