Former US president Barack Obama on Wednesday condemned the Atlanta spa shootings, which left eight people dead.

“Although the shooter’s motive is not yet clear, the identity of the victims underscores an alarming rise in anti-Asian violence that must end,” Obama tweeted.

He wrote, “Even as we’ve battled the pandemic, we’ve continued to neglect the longer-lasting epidemic of gun violence in America.” 

The former US president said, “Michelle and I pray for the victims, their families, everyone grieving these needless and devastating killings—and we urge meaningful action that will save lives.”

Also read: US gun violence: String of spa shootings rock Georgia, at least 8 killed

Eight people, including six Asian women, were killed in spas in the US city of Atlanta by a white man, who was arrested by the police after the attack. The attacks largely have the Asian-American community on edge after a recent spike in anti-Asian crimes in the city, as fears of the Asian-owned establishments being specifically targeted run high, reported AFP.

Authorities have identified Robert Aaron Long as a suspect in all three shootings. Based on the pattern of surveillance video from the shooting scenes, Atlanta police spokesman Sergeant John Chafee told AFP: “It is extremely likely our suspect is the same as Cherokee County’s, who is in custody.”