Connecticut Officials Condemn Hate Crimes Against Asian-Americans

CONNECTICUT — In the wake of gun violence that resulted in the deaths of at least eight people in the metro Atlanta area Tuesday night, state officials have released statements pledging their solidarity with the Asian American community.

The attacks inside Georgia massage parlors came swiftly on the heels of a wave of hate crimes against Asians in New York City.

"I condemn – in the strongest of terms – the recent violent acts of racism and hate committed against Asian Americans that we have seen across our country," Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. "Seeing these attacks in nearby New York reminds us all that hate and bigotry are symptoms of a virus that continues to permeate our society – racism. My administration, my family, and the residents of Connecticut will not stand for these acts or these attitudes. Just over a year ago, I made it a point to meet with our Asian brothers and sisters in West Hartford to show solidarity at an early point in the pandemic, making sure to send a message of love and partnership. Seeing these acts happen now disappoint and anger me. We all must do better, and I am calling on all elected officials to condemn these actions immediately."

Police in Cherokee County, Georgia, said Wednesday that the gunman, identified as Robert Aaron Long, 21, admitted to the killings and blamed the massage parlors for fueling his sex addiction.

Just two days before the killings in the Atlanta area, hundreds gathered to take a stand against hate crimes targeting Asian communities in New York City.

James Rovella, commissioner of the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said that his department as well as the Connecticut Intelligence Center Unit and the Connecticut State Police are "all monitoring the horrible events in the Atlanta region."

"At this time, there are no known threats or confirmed hate incidents in Connecticut toward our Asian population," Rovella said.