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'Stop Asian Hate': Robert Aaron Long dubbed 'racist White terrorist' as Americans condemn anti-Asian violence

'White supremacy made Robert Aaron Long take the life of 8 innocent Asian women because he's a racist POS that feels this stolen land is his!' a user commented

Robert Aaron Long was identified as the suspect who shot five people at a spa in Woodstock, Cherokee County, Georgia, and Atlanta officials said it is “extremely likely” he opened fire at two more spas about an hour later. The three shootings left eight people dead. Six of the eight victims were Asian, due to which a fury was sparked on the Internet, after which hashtags like #AsianLivesMatter and #StopAsianHate started trending on Twitter.

The killing spree began shortly before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, when four people were shot and killed and at least one other person was injured at Young’s Asian Massage Parlor in Acworth, Georgia, reports said. Police said video footage showed the suspect’s vehicle in the area of the Atlanta spas about the time of those attacks as well. That, as well as other video evidence, "suggests it is extremely likely our suspect is the same as Cherokee County’s, who is in custody," Atlanta police said in a statement. Atlanta and Cherokee County authorities were working to confirm the cases are related. Roughly 25 miles south of the scene of that shooting, three Asian women were shot and killed at Gold Spa and one Asian woman was shot and killed at Aromatherapy Spa in northern Atlanta about one hour later. Long was taken into custody shortly before 9 pm, according to Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Capt. Jay Baker. He was driving a dark-colored Hyundai SUV, police said. He was arrested in Crisp County, nearly 150 miles south from where the shootings occurred.

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A website, 'Anti-Asian Violence Resources' was set up to educate people about the violence caused to the community. The website reads: "Anti-Asian racism and violent attacks on Asian elderly have only increased in recent months. Since Covid-19 became news in the United States, hate speech and violence against the AAPI community has run rampant. In February 2021, attacks, particularly on elderly Asian Americans, have spiked. Unfortunately, many of these incidents are not being reported and are invisible to major media outlets. We hope to change this by offering the following resources with our community. Please join us in taking action whether it's by educating yourself and others around you or donating to non-profit organizations."

A GoFundMe fundraiser is also available for people who want to help the community, which is becoming a target of violence. The GoFundMe page reads, "We must act now. A horrific and heartbreaking surge in violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) is happening across the US. Together, it is our responsibility to condemn hate and create lasting social change. GoFundMe stands with the AAPI community and remains committed to rectifying the racial inequalities in our society. Support the AAPI Community Fund to uplift and protect Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders."

As soon as the news came to light, hate started pouring in for the 21-year-old, while some called him a "racist" others tagged him a "white supremacist". One Internet user said: "I don’t even know how to feel right now. This is horrifying. F*ck this. F*ck everyone who has emboldened racists in our country. Give Robert Aaron Long the goddam electric chair." While another one said: "White supremacy made Robert Aaron Long take the life of 8 innocent Asian women because he's a racist POS that feels this stolen land is his!"

Another one slammed Long, saying: "Robert Aaron Long is a racist white nationalist nazi lover." While one person tweeted: "point out that Robert Aaron Long was a racist violent white man. what happens next? the totally rational and mentally stable white dudes jump to his defense with racist bs". Actor Vincent D'Onofrio tweeted: "Our Asian Sisters and Brothers need us to stand up for them. Show them today and tomorrow that WE ARE WITH THEM. Retweet. #StopAsianHate." Another person requested: "We all bleed the same. We are all equal if we are alive. My condolences to the family and loved ones of those who lost their lives. Stop the Racism and Violence against Asians! #StopAsianHate".

Journalist Aaron Rupar brought Trump's reference to light and said: "i don't think it's a coincidence that Trump spent the better part of a year using a virus as a slur against Chinese people while hate crimes against Asian Americans spiked by 150 percent." Another one demanded: "oh my god this is terrible and disgusting. the rise in hate crimes against asians is not okay. this is literally so terrible and my heart goes out to all the victim's and their families. #StopAsianHate #PROTECTASIANLIVES."