The gunman who opened fire at three Atlanta-area spas, killing eight people, including six who were Asian women, claimed the rampage wasn't racially motivated, authorities said Wednesday. Still, local police said it was too early to rule out a hate crime. The shooting sparked fears in the Asian community across the country which has seen an increase in racist violence and hate crimes during the coronavirus pandemic. Asian Americans reported nearly 3,800 hate incidents over the last year, according to a new report.  The 21-year-old suspect was taken into custody and charged with eight counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault.  The site of Gold Spa in Atlanta on March 17, 2021. VIRGINIE KIPPELEN/AFP via Getty