Idaho Chinese Organization speaks out after Atlanta mass shooting

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Idaho Chinese Organization took to Facebook Thursday after a white gunman was charged with killing eight people at three Atlanta-area massage parlors.

"Many of us are shocked by the recent shooting in Atlanta, Georgia on March 16," the Idaho Chinese Organization wrote. "The sudden loss of eight innocent lives is heartbreaking to their family and friends, the local community, and the whole country."

The attack sent terror through the Asian community, many of whom warned this is not an isolated event; that crime against Asian people in the U.S. is on the rise.

"Statistics have shown that crime rates towards Asians and Pacific Islanders, particularly toward the elderly have increased by 150% during 2020 and those reports have been far from capturing the true scope of anti-Asian crime in the United States," the Idaho Chinese Organization wrote. "The increasing hate and violence against those of Asian descent have raised much concern in the Idaho communities."

Activists say they've seen a rise in racist attacks. Nearly 3,800 incidents have been reported to Stop AAPI Hate, a California-based reporting center for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and its partner advocacy groups, since March 2020.

The gunman, 21-year-old Robert Aaron Long, told police that the attack was not racially motivated and he claimed to have a "sex addiction." Though, authorities haven't ruled anything out.

On Friday, Boise mayor Lauren McLean and Boise Police chief Ryan Lee issued statements on the increased violence.

“I condemn the violent and racist hate crimes in Atlanta and the increased number of incidents throughout our nation,” McLean said. “My heart goes out to the victims, the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and all who have been impacted by this tragedy. Everyone should feel safe in their community and I will continue to work hard to ensure Boise is a place where everyone feels safe and welcome.”

“The attacks on members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community both in Atlanta this week and throughout the country over the last year are reprehensible. I fully understand the fears and concerns community members have for themselves and their loved ones in light of the violence that has taken place,” Lee said.

You can read the full statement from the Idaho Chinese Organization below:

"Dear Idahoans,

Many of us are shocked by the recent shooting in Atlanta, Georgia on March 16. The sudden loss of eight innocent lives is heartbreaking to their family and friends, the local community, and the whole country.

Statistics have shown that crime rates towards Asians and Pacific Islanders, particularly toward the elderly have increased by 150% during 2020 and those reports have been far from capturing the true scope of anti-Asian crime in the United States. The increasing hate and violence against those of Asian descent have raised much concern in the Idaho communities.

The Idaho Chinese Organization condemns all forms of hatred and bias regarding race, gender, ethnicity, etc., and would like to appeal for the understanding and respect of diverse cultures. We would also like to work with the community leaderships towards reducing the violence and disunity in our community.

The tragedy in Atlanta is heartbreaking and we wish this will never happen again. A crime towards one is a crime towards us all.

Idaho Chinese Organization"

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