Atlanta Shooting Suspect Denies Hate Crime... Authorities Suggest Possible Sex Addiction (Comprehensive)

Vice President Harris Condemns Spread of Hate Crimes Including Obama and Clinton
No Additional Deaths Beyond Four Korean Americans

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Authorities have identified the possibility of sex addiction in the suspect of the Atlanta shooting incident in Georgia, which claimed the lives of eight people, including four Korean American women. As attention focuses on the connection to anti-Asian hate crimes, this is expected to be an important turning point in confirming the background of the incident.

According to the Associated Press, Atlanta police and other authorities stated in a briefing on the 17th (local time) regarding the shooting incident that the white suspect, Robert Aaron Long, may have been addicted to sex, but it is too early to determine whether it was a hate crime.

Local media report that Long admitted to the crime but claimed the shooting was not racially motivated. Long also insisted to investigators who questioned him immediately after his arrest that the shooting was not a hate crime.

WSB broadcast reported that Long stated that massage businesses where female employees work became an outlet for his sexual desires, and that he wanted to eliminate these massage businesses.

It is known that Long targeted massage parlors he had previously visited.

Authorities are reportedly placing less emphasis on the crime being a hate crime based on these claims, but since six of the victims were Asian, a more accurate motive is expected to be confirmed through an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Across the United States, this incident is being defined as a hate crime targeting Asians and is being widely condemned.

Former President Barack Obama tweeted on the day, "While the motive of the shooter is not yet clear, the identities of the victims highlight the alarming rise in anti-Asian violence that must stop."

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also expressed condolences, saying, "My thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured in the horrific Atlanta shooting," and expressed concern that "the increase in violence targeting Asian Americans last year is becoming an even greater threat."

The White House responded swiftly. President Joe Biden told reporters at the White House on the day, "We will discuss this incident," adding, "I will be back."

Asian American Vice President Kamala Harris said, "I understand that the Asian American community is shocked and angry," emphasizing, "I am aware of the increase in hate crimes against Asians. I stand with them and we must not remain silent against this form of hate."

Meanwhile, Consul General Kim Young-jun in Atlanta told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "Apart from the four already confirmed by authorities, there are no additional Korean American fatalities." Consul General Kim said, "Once the authorities confirm the identities of the Korean American victims, we will contact their families in Korea and provide consular assistance such as support for funeral arrangements."

Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the Korean American victims but have revealed the identities of the other four deceased, who are understood to be white and Chinese individuals in their 40s to 50s. Authorities stated that the survivors remain in stable condition.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.