Gabby Giffords remembers victims of Atlanta spa shootings five years later

WASHINGTON — GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement marking five years since the mass shooting that took place at three metro Atlanta area spas. Eight people were killed during the shooting. One other was injured.

“Five years ago, the Asian American community was rocked by this horrific and racist shooting. Today, I’m remembering each of the victims who lost their lives to a sudden act of gun violence, as well as their families,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “Every one of them deserved to live in peace and safety. But half a decade later, Georgia’s lawmakers have still refused to act, and it remains far too easy for a dangerous person driven by prejudice to obtain a gun in Georgia. It’s time for our leaders to stand up and protect marginalized communities from the pain of hatred and gun violence.”

In 2025, Georgia earned an “F” on GIFFORDS’ Annual Gun Law Scorecard. On average, more than 2,000 people die from gun violence each year in Georgia. The state lacks basic safety measures like universal background checks, waiting periods and red flag laws.