1. The Korean government expresses deep sadness over the death of four Koreans, including one Korean national, in the series of deadly shootings that occurred in Atlanta, the U.S., on March 16, local time, as well as sincere condolence to their bereaved families.

° The Korean government also expresses heartfelt sympathy to the Koreans and the Asian community in the U.S. who must have been shocked terribly by these shootings.

2. The Korean government, in line with its firm and consistent position that such crimes as this incident cannot be condoned under any circumstances, actively supports the U.S. government’s efforts to stand up against hate and violence.

° With regard to this incident, the U.S. government agreed to take active steps to ensure safe and stable lives of the Koreans in the U.S. at the recent ROK-U.S. Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting.

3. The Korean government will continue best efforts to respond to similar incidents in the future in close cooperation with the U.S. government and Congress, relevant private organizations and the Korean community.