Monterey Park, Calif. — The community of Monterey Park gathered Tuesday evening for a candlelight vigil to remember the 11 lives tragically taken during a mass shooting on January 21, 2023. This somber event not only paid tribute to the victims but also unified attendees in a collective stand against violence.
In front of City Hall, near the emblematic flagpoles, participants brought flowers and other mementos in remembrance of those lost in the shooting. These tributes will be displayed until January 30, serving as a poignant reminder of the community’s loss and resilience.
The vigil included heartfelt reflections from community leaders and representatives of various organizations dedicated to healing and recovery. These speakers addressed the crowd, sharing messages of solidarity, healing, and hope.
The tragedy unfolded when Huu Can Tran, a 72-year-old gunman, entered the Star Ballroom Dance Studio on that fateful day, opening fire and killing 11 while injuring nine others. The violence continued as Tran proceeded to another location, the Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio in Alhambra, where his spree was thwarted by the courageous actions of Brandon Tsay, who disarmed him. Tsay’s heroism likely prevented further loss of life.
Tran ended his own life the following day after a police stop outside a strip mall in Torrance, concluding the horrific sequence of events.
The mass shooting, occurring on the eve of the Lunar New Year celebrations, profoundly impacted the majority Asian American community of Monterey Park, marking a grave moment in Los Angeles County’s history as its deadliest shooting.
Rep. Judy Chu of Pasadena expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a statement, she remarked on the profound grief and ongoing trauma experienced by the families and survivors. “Today, I mourn and honor the 11 lives lost, all of Asian descent, and hold their memory close,” Chu said. She emphasized the shattered peace of what should have been a joyous time for the community, marred by a senseless act of violence.
In the wake of the tragedy, then-President Joe Biden visited Monterey Park to meet with the victims’ families, offering condolences and support. During his presidency, Biden took the opportunity to announce several executive actions intended to curb gun violence, underlining the urgency of the issue in his State of the Union address on February 7, 2023.
As the community continues to heal, such gatherings and memorials serve as crucial waypoints in the journey toward recovery, ensuring that the lives lost are remembered and honored, and that collective actions toward preventing future tragedies are strengthened. The resilience of Monterey Park and its inhabitants exemplifies a united front against violence, embodying hope in the face of heartbreaking adversity.