Rallies in Atlanta, nation against hate after spa shootings

People gather at a rally "Stop Asian Hate" candlelight vigil at Almansor Park in Alhambra, Calif., Saturday night, March 20, 2021. Four days after six women of Asian descent were among the eight people killed in attacks on three Atlanta-area massage businesses. The "LA vs. Hate" initiative encourages people to call 211 if they are victims or witness an incident of hate. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

ATLANTA (AP): A diverse crowd gathered Saturday near the Georgia state Capitol to demand justice for the victims of recent shootings at massage businesses and to denounce racism, xenophobia and misogyny.

Hundreds of people of all ages and varied racial and ethnic backgrounds gathered in Liberty Plaza in Atlanta, and in similar rallies across the country, waving signs and chanting slogans.