U.S. Representatives Lucy McBath, Grace Meng, Judy Chu, and Nikema Williams introduced a resolution on March 16 commemorating the five-year anniversary of the Atlanta spa shootings that took place in 2021.
The resolution aims to honor the victims and address ongoing concerns about anti-Asian hate crimes, which have remained elevated since the attacks. The lawmakers highlighted both the lasting grief in affected communities and the need for continued action against hate-fueled violence.
“Five years after the Atlanta spa shootings, our city still carries the grief of the eight lives stolen in an act of anti-Asian hate,” said Rep. Lucy McBath. “That tragedy shook our community and left lasting pain for the families, loved ones, and neighbors who continue to mourn. As someone who has dedicated my work in Congress to preventing gun violence, I know remembrance must also be matched with action to protect people from the hatred and violence which devastates communities across America. We must reject the hateful and harmful rhetoric that continues to fuel division and put lives at risk. On this anniversary, we honor the memories of those we lost and recommit ourselves to our responsibility to champion solutions that will prevent violence and save lives.”
Rep. Grace Meng said, “It is hard to believe that five years have passed since the horrific Atlanta spa shootings that took eight lives, six of whom were Asian women. For many in the Asian American community, it was our worst nightmare realized and the inevitable result of racist slurs like ‘kung flu’ that painted a target on our backs. While my COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act that passed into law marked real progress in addressing anti-Asian hate, more must be done to protect our communities. As CAPAC Chair, I will never stop fighting against anti-Asian hate and for a future where every American can live with safety and dignity. Our caucus extends our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones as we mark this solemn anniversary. May the memories of those we lost forever be a blessing.”
Rep. Chu added: “Five years after the Atlanta spa shootings, we remember the eight lives taken, six of them Asian women, in a heinous act of anti-Asian hate. Their families and communities continue to carry this profound loss. Their memory reminds us of the painful surge in anti-Asian hate that scarred our nation during the pandemic and the responsibility we all share to confront it. While progress has been made, our work is far from finished. On this anniversary, we recommit ourselves to standing with AANHPI communities, rejecting xenophobia in all its forms, and building a country where no one lives in fear because of who they are.”
Congresswoman Williams said: “Five years after the violent Atlanta spa shootings, we remember the eight lives stolen, the families still grieving, and the communities still carrying deep scars. Remembrance must also move us to action. The work to protect Asian American communities and confront anti-Asian hate is as urgent as it was five years ago. Part of the promise of America is freedom from fear or violence because of who you are, and we will keep fighting until that promise is realized. We honor the lives lost by standing shoulder to shoulder with Asian American communities in the ongoing fight for safety for all.”
According to recent federal data from federal agencies, anti-Asian hate crimes remain nearly three times higher than before 2020; incidents targeting Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander individuals are at their highest recorded levels since 2013; while a 2025 survey found that 63 percent of Asian Americans feel unsafe day-to-day.
McBath currently serves Georgia’s 7th district in Congress according to her official biography. She first won her seat by defeating Karen Handel in 2019 as reported by Ballotpedia.
In addition to her legislative work on gun violence prevention issues referenced above—McBath defeated Jeff Criswell with nearly three-fourths support during her most recent election according to election results. Born in Joliet, Illinois in 1960—and now residing in Marietta—she graduated from Virginia State University with a Bachelor’s degree as detailed by Wikipedia.
The resolution not only marks remembrance but also recognizes how discrimination has evolved over time—from pandemic-era scapegoating rhetoric toward Asian Americans through policies such as alien land laws or initiatives like “China Initiative.” Lawmakers say these trends underscore why further efforts are needed.
