STATEMENT: AAPI Victory Alliance Issues Statement on One-Year Anniversary of Atlanta spa shootings, Urges Gun Violence Prevention and Raising Awareness

Washington – Today, in remembrance of the one-year anniversary of the Atlanta spa shootings which killed eight people, six of whom were Asian women,  AAPI Victory Alliance released a statement to commemorate this tragedy, and call for robust gun violence prevention policies. 

AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement:

“This time last year, a gunman killed eight people, including six Asian women, at three spas in the Metro Atlanta area. As we commemorate the first anniversary of this tragedy, and continue to navigate our collective grief, we urge our legislators to expeditiously enact gun violence prevention legislation.”

“Together, with a broad coalition of survivors, community members and allies, AAPI Victory Alliance is committed to ending gun violence and gender-based violence. We are dedicated to building a world where everyone feels safe in their communities, whether it’s at home, school, work or place of worship.”

“As we remember the lives lost in the Atlanta spa shootings, we must also acknowledge that the alarming rise of violence against the AAPI community is fueled by continued use of xenophobic and racist rhetoric tied to white supremacy and hate. That is why we are fighting for more policies to address the systemic causes of violence and hate.”  

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AAPI Victory Alliance works to build Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) political power across the country by providing education on progressive issues; creating and advocating for policies that affect our communities; and building alliances with organizations to help AAPIs exert their power and be the margin of victory at the local, state, and national levels.