Shooting in Nearby Monterey Park Leaves 11 Dead

MARCUS PARTIDA, JULIANNA TAPIA (Editors-in-Chief)

On Saturday, Jan. 21, 20 people were shot at the Star Ballroom Dance Hall celebrating Lunar Year in Monterey Park, leaving 11 dead and nine injured. The suspect ran from the scene to Alhambra, eventually being caught in Torrance.

“I Found out my aunt was there and I am glad she is ok,” librarian Joan Lee said. ‘To hear about such a happy event with a lot of older people attending made it disheartening to see someone be so callous. My heart goes out to all the family members.”

The gun was fired at 10:22 p.m. at the dance hall before the suspect fled the scene, according to CNN. The suspect arrived at another dance hall, Lai Lai Ballroom and Studio, where Brandon Tsay wrestled the man and apprehended the gun. According to the New York Times, the gun was not a legal firearm in the state of California. However, it was purchased before the sale of that gun was made illegal.

The suspect ran from the scene before authorities arrived. According to CNN, the next day, Torrance police found a vehicle matching the suspects description, in which they found the suspect dead. 

According to the LA Sheriff’s Department, there has been no determined motive as of Jan. 25. Sheriff Robert Luna told CBS News that investigators have not been able to connect the victims to each other or the suspect.

On Monday, Jan. 23, a candlelight vigil was held at the Monterey Park City Hall. Hundreds of people attended the event, which was held to honor the victims of the shooting. Students of Alhambra High School joined together to write words of encouragement for the community to be displayed at City Hall during the vigil. They also wrote messages on posters to support the police and fire department who responded to the scene. 

“Our city has shown resilience in times of crisis and we will continue to show the nation what an exceptional community we are,” Mayor Pro Tem Jose Sanchez said. “We will get through this together.” 

On Sunday, Jan. 29, Brandon Tsay was awarded a medal of honor by the Alhambra Police Department for seizing a gun from the shooting suspect. At this ceremony, leaders, such as California Representative Judy Chu, spoke while thousands watched, holding signs thanking Tsay for his bravery. 

On Friday, Feb. 3, NBC Seafood in Monterey Park hosted a lunar new year banquet. They held a moment of silence for the victims, followed by a speech by Congresswoman Judy Chu.

“It is only with us being together that we can come through this, so we can heal,” Chu said.

Since then, there have been numerous organizations and fundraisers to assist the families who lost their loved ones or have been affected by the events, as well as various memorials and vigils to commemorate the lost lives.