Eight people are confirmed dead following shootings at three Atlanta-area spas on Tuesday evening. Robert Aaron Long, 21, of Woodstock, Georgia, was arrested following a brief manhunt, Cherokee County Sheriff's Captain Jay Baker confirmed to NBC News.
After the news that shocked the world, several athletes spoke out about the hate being directed towards the asian community over the past few months.
LeBron James:
My condolences goes out to familes of all the victims and the entire asian community tonight on what transpired in Atlanta at the aromatherapy spa. Coward a** young man! Just senseless and tragic!!
Jeremy Lin:
This is sooo heartbreaking..praying for our world. To my asian american family, please take time to grieve but know you're loved, seen and important.
The shootings come at a time when violence against those of Asian descent has dramatically increased in the United States. It is believed that the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China, has served as a catalyst for the increase in hate crimes directed at those of Asian descent.
Professional basketball was recently connected to the hate directed at Asians when Jeremy Lin disclosed that opposing players had heckled him by calling him “coronavirus.” Lin declined to name anyone for the offensive remarks, instead choosing to ask for greater awareness of the growing violence against Asians.
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