SEATTLE, WA – The Alliance for Gun Responsibility issued the following statement in response to a shooting spree that left eight people, six of whom were Asian women, dead and at least one other person wounded. The shootings, which occurred at three separate spas in the Atlanta area, come amid an alarming rise in anti-Asian violence across the country. 

“We are heartbroken and sickened by this senseless violence,” said Alliance for Gun Responsibility CEO Renée Hopkins. “This mass shooting comes amidst a terrifying rise of attacks on AAPI people. Regardless of his stated motive, a white man was empowered to take the lives of eight people, including six Asian women. He was arrested peacefully and law enforcement excused his behavior, claiming he ‘had a bad day.’ This is white supremacy at work. 

This attack is a tragic reminder that we cannot end gun violence without rooting out white supremacy. It is also evidence of the devastating consequences of racism, xenophobia, and misogyny fueled by a gun. To our Asian friends, neighbors, and community we stand with you. We will fight with you to disarm hate and dismantle white supremacy.” 

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