The Monterey Park shooting that killed 11 and wounded nine at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio on Sunday — the eve of the Lunar New Year — spread a wave of shock and fear into the heart of neighboring city San Marino.
Though many in the local community are reeling from the massacre that disrupted what was meant to be a festive time of well wishes, happiness and union, the San Marino Chinese Club said on Tuesday that fear will not overshadow the city’s Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Lacy Park.
“The Chinese Club of San Marino is deeply saddened by the incident in Monterey Park last night and offers condolences to all affected by this tragedy. Lunar New Year is supposed to be a day of joy and celebration,” the San Marino Chinese Club said in a statement. “We hope the community will unite and strengthen as we bravely face the challenges ahead.
“The Chinese Club is working with our local law enforcement, actively monitoring the situation and evaluating ways to enhance safety within our community, including future events. If the violence has impacted you or your family, don’t hesitate to contact the Chinese Club or the San Marino Police Department for assistance.”
San Marino Chinese Club President Alan Chen said that though the timing of the tragedy fell at the outset of Lunar New Year, he is confident that San Marino residents are safe and protected by local police.
“I think in general, San Marino is a very safe community,” Chen told the Tribune. “That’s part of its character and the reason why we all love this community so much, and we know that the police department has reached out very quickly in response to the violence that occurred after we all heard it on the news. They are working with us actively to make our public event safer.
“They are responsive, communicative and supportive, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be more cautious,” Chen added. “When we go out in crowded places, there can be unpredictable situations, and we all need to be aware that not all elements can be controlled [or] prevented. I’m happy to see that this is not a result of a hate crime. … It doesn’t really change the gravity of the situation or the hurtful nature of the violence, but I think as a community, we should feel generally safe because we have a responsive, collaborative police department who has the community’s well-being in mind.”
The gunman was identified as Huu Can Tran, 72, who also attempted to cause harm at Alhambra’s Lai Lai Ballroom and Studio later that night. There, Tran was confronted and disarmed by San Marino resident Brandon Tsay.
Tsay was working at Lai Lai Ballroom, which is owned by his family.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said he was grateful for Tsay’s courage.
“This what a hero looks like,” Newsom tweeted about the 26-year-old. “Brandon did what no one should ever have to do — he stopped a gunman at his place of work from killing countless others.”
Tsay, who wrestled the gun away from Tran, said that although he is being recognized as a hero, he wants those recovering to feel the com-
munity’s support behind them while they heal.
“I want everyone to focus on the victims of this tragic incident, not to draw too much attention to myself,” said Tsay, in a press conference held at his family’s residence in San Marino. “[The victims] are currently inside [receiving] medical care right now fighting for their lives, and I think they should have the support of the people.”
Tsay’s father, Tom Tsay, expressed the same sentiment: “I think the focus should be shifted to the victims right now. They are still fighting.”
He also shared how he felt about his son’s act of heroism.
“I’m very proud,” Tom Tsay added. “I never prepared him for that.”
In a televised interview with CNN, Tsay said: “Something came over me. I had this rush of adrenaline. He hit me several times in the face … on the head. But at the same time, I was trying to divert the weapon away from me, away from the ballroom, down toward the ground, just in case he did fire.”
After an hours long manhunt, the shooter was found dead in a white van in Torrance, with law enforcement reporting that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“Our entire [San Marino] City Council is deeply saddened to learn that our neighboring communities of Alhambra and Monterey Park have been struck with such shocking, deliberate acts of violence,” Mayor Steve Talt said. “We offer our heartfelt condolences for the victims, their families and everyone affected by these events. It is through times like this we all must stand together, and San Marino is ready with support and assistance for anything our neighbors need. Our city and community are committed to fighting against all forms of violence. Our hearts go out to our entire San Gabriel Valley AAPI community.”
On Monday, another mass shooting occurred in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco, where seven people also were killed. Public officials issued statements as they and the public try to comprehend the violence. In the first three weeks of 2023, there have been 39 mass shootings in the United States, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, who has lived in Monterey Park for 37 years, said this act of violence has caused much suffering among Asian American communities, who were mourning, terrified or both instead of celebrating what’s meant to be a joyous occasion.
“This shooting in my hometown of Monterey Park has torn a hole through all of our hearts,” Chu said in a statement. “My thoughts and condolences go to the victims of this horrific crime, and to their families and loved ones who woke up this morning to the worst news imaginable. I can’t even comprehend the pain and suffering they are going through.
“If there is one thing I know, it is that Monterey Park is resilient,” Chu added. “Our community is strong, and we will get through this terrible event together.”
Additionally, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger responded to the attack with an open letter to her constituents.
“This is a somber time in our county. [The] Monterey Park mass shooting shocked us and rocked our collective sense of safety and stability,” Barger said. “While we struggle to make sense of what happened, it is important to acknowledge that acts of violence like this impact all our lives. Whether you know someone who was directly affected by this mass shooting or not, you may be feeling helpless, scared, or confused. If you need support, I urge you to dial Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s 24/7 Help Line at (800) 854-7771.
“The path ahead will not be easy, she added. “But it is my hope that by standing together, our healing will start, our strength will be reinvigorated and our faith restored.”
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