Austin also condemns what he calls a ‘horrific crime’.
“I am saddened by the horrific attacks yesterday in Atlanta, GA, where we believe several women of Korean descent have been killed,” the first black Pentagon chief said. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all those affected by this heinous crime, and especially to the families of those killed. I share my colleague’s opinion that violence of this or any other nature has no place in our society. ”
South Korean foreign and defense ministers also expressed regret over the attack.
Eight people, all but one, were killed Tuesday in three spas in Atlanta in a shooting allegedly carried out by Robert Aaron Long, who is charged with eight counts of murder.
Long’s motivations are not yet clear, but the background of the victims has raised fears that racial prejudice may have come into play. Violence against Asian Americans has been high in recent months amid the coronavirus pandemic.
However, Long told investigators the killings were not racially motivated.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms also condemned the attack on Wednesday, acknowledging the ethnicity of the victims.
“We know [violence against Asian Americans] is a problem that is happening across the country; it is unacceptable, it is hateful and it must stop, ”she said.
Long was arrested Tuesday night about 150 miles south of the city.