Five Years After Atlanta-Area Spa Shootings, Community Continues Healing

Remembrance events planned as community reflects on tragedy that sparked conversations about anti-Asian hate

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:34pm

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Monday marks the five-year anniversary of the deadly shootings at Atlanta-area massage businesses that killed eight people, mostly women of Asian descent. The community is still grappling with the aftermath as they work toward healing, with remembrance events planned and leaders coming together to reflect on the tragedy and its impact.

Why it matters

The 2021 shootings sparked national conversations about the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the community continues to heal, the anniversary serves as an important moment to honor the victims, support survivors, and discuss how to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The details

In March 2021, 25-year-old Robert Aaron Long killed four people at Youngs Asian Massage in Cherokee County, then drove to Atlanta where he killed four more people at two other spas. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and hate crime enhancements for the Atlanta killings, while Long pleaded guilty and received a life sentence in the Cherokee County case. Long claimed the killings were not racially motivated, but were instead due to his struggles with pornography addiction. Advocates, however, have pointed to the attacks as another example of racist violence against Asian Americans during the pandemic.

  • The shootings occurred on March 16, 2021.
  • Monday, March 16, 2026 marks the five-year anniversary of the attacks.
  • Long's next court date is scheduled for March 30, 2026 for an inquiry hearing.

The players

Robert Aaron Long

The 25-year-old man accused of carrying out the deadly shootings at the Atlanta-area spas.

Xiaojie "Emily" Tan

One of the four victims killed at Youngs Asian Massage in Cherokee County.

Sarah Park

A Duluth city councilwoman who was part of the initial response team and is helping organize remembrance events for the anniversary.

Long Tran

A Georgia state representative who will hold a press conference at the state Capitol to mark the anniversary.

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What they’re saying

“I think if we are asking each other, did we heal from it? I think the answer will be no. Even people who shared resources or cared for the tragic event, and also, you know, families who are still living through it.”

— Sarah Park, Duluth City Councilwoman (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Long's next court date will be on March 30, 2026, when he is set to appear before a judge for an inquiry hearing.

The takeaway

The five-year anniversary of the Atlanta-area spa shootings serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing impact on the community, as they continue to grapple with the tragedy and work toward healing. The remembrance events and reflections provide an opportunity to honor the victims, support survivors, and have important discussions about preventing such hate-fueled violence in the future.