The sniper who opened fire at three spas in the Atlanta area, killing eight people, including six Asian women, said the violence was not racially motivated, officials said on Wednesday. Still, the 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 saw an increase in racist violence and hate crimes during the coronavirus pandemic. Asian Americans reported nearly 3,800 hate incidents last year, according to a new report.
The 21-year-old suspect was taken into custody and charged with eight counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault.
VIRGINIE KIPPELEN / AFP via Getty