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On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden condemned brutality against Asian Americans but said he wouldn’t make a connection when it comes to the motivation of the suspect alleged of killing 8 people in Georgia. Biden issued a statement from the Oval Office and said, “Whatever the motivation here, I know that Asian Americans are very concerned, because, as you know, I was speaking about brutality against Asian Americans for the past couple of months. I think it is very, very troublesome, but I am making no connection at this moment to the motivation of the killer. I am waiting for an answer, as the investigation proceeds, from the FBI, and from the Justice Department”. Point to be noted that 8 people including 6 Asian women were shot dead at three spas in the Atlanta area on Tuesday evening.

The authorities have confirmed that one suspect, 21 years old Robert Aaron Long is in custody. Robert Aaron Long was imprisoned around 8:30 pm on Tuesday about 150 miles south of the city. Police haven’t yet determined a motive for the shootings. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect has been charged with 4 counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault. On Wednesday, Cherokee County Sheriff Frank Reynolds said the suspect has made indicators that he has some issues, potentially sexual addiction, and may have frequented some of these places in the past. Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant said, “We are still early in this investigation, so we cannot make that determination at this moment. I know that that’s going to be a concern and that you’re probably asking that of many of us. We’re just not there, as of yet”.

It is noteworthy that the shooting incident came during a national surge of attacks against Asian Americans. Research from Stop AAPI Hate shows at least 3,800 anti-Asian hate incidents were reported in a year since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Advocacy organizations and public officials including former President Barack Obama have taken to social media to condemn the violence. US Vice President Kamala Harris is the first South Asian, Black, and female vice president. On Wednesday, US Vice President Kamala Harris said, “I do want to say to our Asian American community that we stand with you and understand how this has frightened and shocked and outraged all people. But knowing the increasing level of hate crime against our Asian American brothers and sisters, we also want to speak out in solidarity with them and acknowledge that none of us should ever be silent in the face of any form of hate”.