SPLC Releases Statement Following Horrific Mass-Shooting in Atlanta-area

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Following the horrific events of last night in the Atlanta-area, Margaret Huang, President & CEO of Southern Poverty Law Center, released the following statement:
 
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the eight victims who lost their lives in the mass shooting last night in the Atlanta-area. We now know that six of those victims were Asian women. While we’re relieved the suspect was quickly apprehended, we’re certainly not at peace as this attack still points to an escalating threat many in the Asian American community feel today. 
 
“While authorities are still investigating the motive in these attacks and whether or not they were anti-Asian in nature, we already know that too many within the AAPI community fear every day for themselves and their loved ones as a result of the spate of attacks over the past year. 
 
“We all must call on elected officials to take steps to counter anti-Asian hate and other extremist or hateful ideology. And law enforcement at every level, along with social media companies, must work together to help intercept and combat this growing threat.
 
“The SPLC will continue to closely monitor these cases and work with our partners to stand up against these senseless attacks. We encourage people looking for resources on how to prevent and report a hate crime to visit our website.”