Worcester’s Asian American community and city leaders are reacting to the Wednesday’s deadly attack in Atlanta where eight women working in spas were killed by a white suspect, who is now in police custody.

Joy Shi was born China and now lives in Worcester. She says it’s hard to put into words how she feels about the mass shooting in Atlanta, which left six women of Asian decent dead.

“It's been very difficult just to watch. I feel the need to speak up," said Shi. 

Shi says she’s hasn’t been a victim, and According to the AAPI, there have been close 3,800 racists incidents against Asian Americans across the country, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It shouldn't be necessary but I feel like, especially if I'm out with my son. I'm scared," said Shi. 

Shi isn’t alone. Anh Sawyer from The Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts says these incidents have been tough on the asian American community.  She says she believes the Atlanta murders were racially motivated.

“We are kind of numb. What happened in Atlanta makes you wonder about why? why Asians? why Asian women, why women?," said Sawyer. 

But for Sawyer and Shi there has been support from Worcester leaders.  The city held a Solitary gathering Thursday.​

“The fact that people who are non Asians, care for us is very important for healing," said Sawyer. 

And a resolution, denouncing racists incidents against Asian Americans was unanimously supported by city council.​

“I wanted to be really resolute and ensuring the Asian community here in the city, that none of that is going to be allowed or warranted. And if it does come up that we're going to punish people to whatever extent the law allows us," said Sean Rose, District 1 City Councilor. 

Both Sawyer and Shi say more work needs to be done in the community, but reaching out and showing support goes a long way.