Team -- my heart is heavy today after last night's mass-shooting at multiple Atlanta spas that took the lives of eight people including six Asian-American women.

Let me be clear: This is an act of racism, misogyny, and hatred. We must speak out and stand up against anti-Asian discrimination in all its forms.

Last night's incident was not an isolated event. We must acknowledge the underlying anti-Asian hatred that has always been pervasive in the country but has heightened recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the last year alone, we have seen thousands of instances of anti-Asian incidents, many of them against Asian women and the elderly.

Anti-Asian racism is no stranger to me, either. During World War II, 120,000 Japanese-Americans were unjustly forced into internment camps -- including my grandparents and parents. Like many others, my family still bears the scars of that dark time in our nation's history.

Today, I mourn for the victims of yesterday's shooting. My thoughts are with their friends and families who have experienced unspeakable tragedy.

But tomorrow, I'm getting back to work to end anti-Asian hatred and discrimination in all its forms. We can't ignore the ugly history of anti-Asian racism in our country. We must speak out against injustice and demand protection for ALL our marginalized communities.

I hope you'll join me.

Sincerely,
Rep. Mark Takano













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Paid for by Mark Takano For Congress

PO Box 5214, Riverside, CA 92517
www.marktakano.com

Mark Takano represents the good people of California's Inland Empire in Congress, fighting for the region's progressive priorities. He's been a voice for veterans, seniors, students, local businesses and hardworking families. But now, our Democratic House Majority is seriously at risk. The leadership of progressive Democrats like Mark will be critical to holding Republicans accountable and ensuring the healing of our country during this challenging time.

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