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Atlanta spa shootings victims remembered 3 years later

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Atlanta spa shootings victims remembered 3 years later


Leaders in Metro Atlanta’s Asian American community held a remembrance ceremony and call to action to honor the eight people who lost their lives in the Atlanta spa shootings on March 16, 2021. 

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It started with a banner procession, then organizers read the names of the eight people killed, six of whom were Asian women. 

One of those victims was Michael Webb’s former spouse, 49-year-old Xiaojie Tan.

“She worked hard, she was dedicated to her business. To see her work so hard and save, then to have her life cut short like that is something I think about every day,” Webb said.

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Xiaojie Tan (Supplied by family)

He says he came to Saturday’s ceremony to share her story three years later in hopes of preventing something like this from happening again.

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“Because what we went through, nobody should have to go through,” Webb said. 

Organizer Cam Ashling said they wanted people to understand the fight against Asian hate is still ongoing.

“I want them to not take it for granted, because something like this could happen to any one of our family members. It could happen to my mom, my sister, myself,” Ashling said.

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Eight people total were killed at three spa locations in Cherokee County and Atlanta on March 16, 2021.

Eight people total were killed at three spa locations in Cherokee County and Atlanta on March 16, 2021. (Supplied)

We asked her how well she thought state leaders have addressed Asian hate and gun violence in the three years since the shooting.

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“Horrible. Yeah, I don’t think we’ve gotten very far. We haven’t gotten any kind of meaningful, safe gun legislation passed since then,” Ashling said. 

Many young people participated in the ceremony, through musical numbers, speeches and even a traditional lion dance. 

Student organizer Tyler Lee is an 11th grader at Peachtree Ridge High School.

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“I’m a Korean-American. My grandmother is a Korean-American. Some of the women that were shot and killed look like my grandmother, and I was extremely disheartened. So, I decided something needed to be done,” Lee said.

Lee has worked to get stricter gun laws passed that he says might have helped prevent the 2021 shooting rampage.

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Investigators have said shooter Robert Long bought a gun shortly before going on the killing spree.

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Lee says young Asian Americans need to be a bigger part of the fight against hate.

“I truly believe that we will be the pioneers of what we expect to change in our society,” Lee said. 

Ashling says they need the entire Atlanta community to stand together with them against this hate in order to make a real difference.

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“We just all want to stand together, and we don’t just want Asian Americans to stand together. We need other communities to stand with us, too,” Ashling said. 

Organizers called on those in attendance to share their stories of discrimination and hate. 

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They also called on people here and throughout the metro area to vote in upcoming elections and show how important fighting asian hate is to their elected officials.



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Atlanta, GA

Police increase presence across metro Atlanta amid teen takeover rumors

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Police increase presence across metro Atlanta amid teen takeover rumors


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Popular gathering spots across metro Atlanta saw heightened law enforcement presence Saturday night following rumors of potential “teen takeovers.”

Authorities say a similar event last weekend led to more than a dozen teenagers and adults being taken into custody. In response, agencies across the metro area are stepping up patrols in several high-traffic areas, including the Beltline and the Cumberland Mall and Battery districts.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 9 juveniles, 8 adults charged after weekend ‘takeover’ event at The Battery

Along the Atlanta Beltline, Atlanta police confirmed they increased staffing levels as a precaution. An APD officer on scene told Atlanta News First that officers are maintaining an enhanced presence due to the takeover rumors. An Atlanta News First crew observed multiple people put in handcuffs and an APD officer at the Beltline said four guns had been confiscated.

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Multiple patrol units were visible along the Beltline, with officers monitoring foot traffic and briefly detaining several individuals. Police said the show of force is intended to deter large, disruptive gatherings before they begin.

Cumberland Mall to have teen curfew Saturday after ‘takeover’ at The Battery

In Cobb County, law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts around Cumberland Mall and The Battery Atlanta. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office deployed its mounted patrol unit, with four deputies on horseback circling the mall. Units from the Cobb County Police Department, Marietta Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol were also seen monitoring traffic and pedestrian activity in the area.

Electronic message boards and posted signage between Cumberland and The Battery warned visitors of the increased law enforcement presence. Officers said the goal is to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s arrests and ensure public safety.

For now, officials say the evening remains calm, but they are prepared to respond quickly if large crowds begin to form.

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Atlanta, GA

Shooting causes lockdown at Mall of Stonecrest

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Shooting causes lockdown at Mall of Stonecrest


Police at the Mall of Stonecrest (FOX 5)

The DeKalb County Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred at the Mall of Stonecrest on Saturday afternoon.

What we know:

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The department was alerted to the shooting around 12:40 p.m. Officers responded to the mall and immediately began a search of the premises. In an early update, police stated the mall was on lockdown and that no victim had been found.

A few hours later, police confirmed a victim had been located and several people were detained after running away from the mall. The injured person was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive.

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The mall remained on lockdown as of 3:45 p.m. as officers continued clearing the building. Police said the process could take several hours and requested that the public continue to avoid the area.

DeKalb police stated there is no further danger to the public. 

What we don’t know:

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At this time, it is unclear what led to the shooting or if any of the detained individuals have been charged.

The Source: Information in this article came from the DeKalb County Police Department via an email. 

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Atlanta, GA

The Pulse: Are pajamas really banned at the airport?

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The Pulse: Are pajamas really banned at the airport?


The show highlights a tongue-in-cheek social media “ban” on pajamas and Crocs at Tampa International Airport that sparked national debate over travel etiquette. The crew also covers the Atlanta Hawks’ bold “Magic City Monday” promotion featuring famous lemon pepper wings and halftime performances by T.I.. Additionally, the segment dives into Gen Z’s “loud breakup” trend on TikTok and ends with a nostalgic defense of the Burger King Whopper.



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