8 people killed in Atlanta spa shootings. Suspect in custody, Robert Aaron Long.
The deadly spa shootings took place Tuesday evening, March 16; early on it was feared the three massage parlor shootings in Woodstock and Atlanta, Georgia was racially motivated by the suspected shooter, Robert Aaron Long (21 years old from Woodstock, Georgia). Long was apprehended just hours later about 150 miles south of Atlanta in Crisp County. Most recently Fox News reports that Long tells police the shootings were not racially motivated; he was "angry over sex addiction."
During a news conference, Cherokee County Sherrif's Office Captain, Jay Baker, said: "He apparently had an issue, what he considers a sex addiction, and sees these locations as ... a temptation for him that he wanted to eliminate."
Here's a timeline of the deadly shootings on Tuesday, March 16:
- 4:55 p.m.: Young's Asian Massage—4 people died.
- 5:47 p.m.: Gold Spa—3 women found dead in the Atlanta Buckhead area.
- While investigating Gold Spa, across the street at Aromatherapy Spa—1 woman found dead.
A total of 8 victims: 6 (Asian), 2 (White), and 7 were women.
Governor Kemp of Georgia tweeted his support for the victims and their families:
Our entire family is praying for the victims of these horrific acts of violence.
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) March 17, 2021
We deeply appreciate the quick apprehension of a suspect by @ga_dps in coordination with local and federal law enforcement. https://t.co/9Rtv3g0NUG
Also, Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the first Black and South Asian woman to hold the office of vice president, addressed the Asian American community, "We’re not yet clear about the motive. But 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."
Share your condolences to the victims' families in the comments.
*Check back for updates.
