8 Killed In 3 Shootings At Georgia Spas | TODAY

Summary

Police are investigating a series of deadly shootings at three massage parlors in and around Atlanta, which left eight people dead, including six Asian women. Authorities arrested 21-year-old Robert Aaron Long, believed to be connected to all three incidents. The shootings occur amid a rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans, with over 30 incidents reported in Georgia alone. While the motive remains unclear, the tragedy has heightened fears in the Asian-American community. Law enforcement is increasing protection in Asian neighborhoods across major cities, including New York, in response to this attack.

Takeaways

• 🔫 Police are investigating a series of deadly shootings at three massage parlors in and around Atlanta.
• 🚨 The first shooting occurred at Young’s Asian Massage on Tuesday afternoon, with multiple people found shot.
• 👮‍♂️ Authorities are conducting a multiple homicide investigation and are considering all possibilities, including hate crimes.
• 📍 Shortly after the first attack, two more shootings occurred at massage parlors in nearby Atlanta.
• 👥 The victims are predominantly female, with officials stating that six out of the eight killed were Asian women.
• 🔒 Police have arrested 21-year-old Robert Aaron Long, who is believed to be connected to all three shootings.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Investigators identified Long as the suspect by comparing images of him and his vehicle across crime scenes.
• 🤔 The motive for the attacks has not yet been released, but the shootings come amidst a rise in hate crimes targeting Asian-Americans nationwide.
• 📊 In Georgia, over 30 incidents of hate targeting Asian-Americans have been reported, with women disproportionately affected.
• 🌍 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, traveling in South Korea, condemned the violence, stating that such acts have no place in America or anywhere.

Q & A

What are the police investigating in the Atlanta area?

Police are investigating a string of deadly shootings at three massage parlors in and around Atlanta.

Where did the first shooting occur?

The first shooting occurred at Young’s Asian Massage on Tuesday afternoon.

How many people were killed in total, and who were most of the victims?

A total of eight people were killed, and six of them are believed to be Asian women.

Who is the suspect in custody for the shootings?

The suspect in custody is 21-year-old Robert Aaron Long.

What evidence led to the arrest of the suspect?

Authorities compared images of the suspect and his vehicle, which led to the conclusion that he was connected to all three shootings.

What is known about the motive for the shootings?

The motive for the shootings is not yet known, but the attacks come at a time of increased hate crimes targeting Asian-Americans.

What action has the NYPD taken in response to the shootings?

The NYPD has deployed counterterrorism officers to Asian communities throughout New York City as a precaution.

What statement did Secretary of State Antony Blinken make regarding the shootings?

Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed condolences, stating that the violence is horrifying and has no place in America or anywhere.

How many hate incidents targeting Asian-Americans have been reported in the Georgia area, according to Stop AAPI Hate?

According to Stop AAPI Hate, more than 30 hate incidents targeting Asian-Americans have been reported in the Georgia area.

What demographic trend has been observed in Atlanta regarding the Asian-American population?

Atlanta has seen a growing Asian-American population, now accounting for over 7% of the area’s population.