WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eight people were killed Tuesday night in three shootings that occurred in the metro-Atlanta area. Six of the victims were Asian women. While officials have yet to determine the motive of the attacks, these shootings occurred at a time when, as documented by recently released reports, violent attacks and harassment against people of Asian descent has surged nationwide.

Nikitra Bailey, executive vice president at the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), issued the following statement:

We strongly condemn last night’s shootings in Georgia. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. We stand in solidarity with you during this horrific time and want you to know that you are not alone.

These attacks come at a time when our nation faces a reckoning over racial injustice. Members of this community have not been spared from racism and xenophobia as hateful incidents against them have risen amid the pandemic.

These senseless attacks must stop. Policymakers must also address the white supremacy and bigotry that holds back our country by enforcing legislation against heinous hate crimes that leave vulnerable communities at risk of more harm. Now is the time to unify against violence and build a more inclusive America where none of us are harmed because of who we are.

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Press Contact: Vincenza Previte vincenza.previte@responsiblelending.org

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