Atlanta: Eight people were killed in a shooting at three massage parlors in the US state of Georgia.
According to US media, the shootings took place at three different locations, but only one person was involved in the shootings, who were arrested by police. Authorities say the possible causes of the incidents are still unknown.
Most of the dead were Asian women, prompting the New York Police Counterterrorism Unit to deploy to Asian-populated areas.
The first incident took place in Cherokee County, where a Young Asian massage parlor was attacked, killing four people, including two Asian women, and injuring one.
The second incident took place in the state capital, Atlanta, where police received a report of a robbery at the Gold Spa Beauty Salon. When police arrived at the scene, they found the bullet-riddled bodies of three women.
Police were investigating when they received a report of a shooting at another massage center on the other side of the street, where a woman’s body was found. All four victims are from Asia.
Police have arrested 21-year-old white suspect Robert Long, a Cherokee County resident, with the help of CCTV cameras. Police say they believe the young man was involved. Authorities say they are trying to determine if the victims were killed because of racism.
Just a few days ago, US President Joe Biden, in a televised address to the nation, condemned the rise in hate crimes and discrimination against Asian Americans.