Atlanta, March 14, 2024 – Georgia's AAPI community activists and AAPI Legislative Caucus assembled at the steps of Georgia State Capitol to remember the victims of March 16 spa shooting victims.
A lone gunman, Robert Aaron Long, purchased a gun and shot eight people including six women of Asian descent across two counties on the same day. Long is currently awaiting trial in Atlanta.
AAPI legislators are pushing for gun restrictions in the state since the incident. Rep. Michelle Au (HD-50) had proposed for a three day waiting period for gun purchases and the bill didn't move forward. She said a waiting period would have prevented the March 16 murders.
However, she was pleased with a recent proposed bill that would provide tax credit for gun owners in Georgia to buy lock boxes to store guns safely at home.
Michael Webb, who lost his wife Xiaojie Tan, during the March 16 incident believe conservatives in this state are also open to gun restrictions.
“We have them in Florida,” said Webb who currently lives in Florida.
“We have three day waiting periods for gun purchases. I am a lifelong gun owner and I don't want anyone to take away my gun. But it require common sense approach to address this issue.”
AAPI community plans to gather for a vigil and remembrance event at Korean American Association of Georgia (KAAGA) at 5:00pm on March 16.
