September 18, 2022, Atlanta – Stacey Abrams criticizes Governor Brian Kemp for promoting gun violence rather than protecting AAPI community after the March 16 spa shooting incidents which killed six innocent Asian American individuals in 2021. At a gun violence event, Gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, State Senator Michelle Au and State Representative Sam Park discussed Georgia’s gun violence epidemic, and discuss policy solutions to build safe communities in Georgia.
At the event about gun violence in Georgia and in the AAPI community, two family members of the eight victims appeared in person to share their views on gun violence. Robert Peterson, whose mother, Yong Ae Yue, was murdered in the March 2021 mass shooting along with Michael Webb, whose wife Xiaojie Emily Tan was killed on that day.
A new ad, “Showed Up,” featuring Michael Webb — the husband of Xiaojie “Emily” Tan. In the ad, Webb criticizes Governor Brian Kemp for signing legislation that makes it “easier for people like [Emily’s] killer to carry a loaded gun in public.” Webb also states that Kemp “needs to go” for putting “his loyalty to his gun lobby donors ahead of keeping Georgia safe.” Though Webb states that he is not a Democrat, in the ad, he applauds Stacey Abrams for showing up after the horrific tragedy that took his loved one.
Neev Sedani, a Georgia high school student, and Rhea Wunsch, a Georgia college student, both shared their views on gun violence and safety at their respective school and institution.
“Our current Governor is ignoring the voices of constituents that he represents, especially the AAPI voices. I want to raise my concerns on school safety especially his policy on gun ownership,” said Rhea Wunsch.
“Why can't we tackle the problem of gun violence at its root?” asked Neev Sedani. “You have to tackle the root problem by looking at the easy access to gun ownership,” adds Sedani.
Both students agreed that the proposed legislation by the incumbent Governor to add more police force, arming teachers and adding more metal detectors in schools will not work. They claimed that the majority of students and school teachers are against the idea. “How can you fight fire with fire?” said Sedani.
Both students claimed the presence of more police force and arming teachers will add to more anxieties and sense of insecurity among students.
Mental health counseling for students especially in the AAPI community are much needed especially after the two years of Covid-19 isolation. Both argued that Medicare Expansion will be helpful to pay for extra mental health counseling and resources needed to fight the increasing suicides amongst AAPI youths.
