Politicians and community leaders are issuing statements in response to the mass shooting in Monterey Park, California.
“Jill and I are thinking of those killed and injured in last night’s deadly mass shooting in Monterey Park. While there is still much we don’t know about the motive in this senseless attack, we do know that many families are grieving tonight, or praying that their loved one will recover from their wounds. Even as we continue searching for answers about this attack, we know how deeply this attack has impacted the AAPI community. Monterey Park is home to one of the largest AAPI communities in America, many of whom were celebrating the Lunar New Year along with loved ones and friends this weekend. Early this morning, I directed my Homeland Security Advisor to mobilize full federal support to local and state authorities as they continue to respond and investigate this shooting. As we await more crucial information from law enforcement, I want to assure the community of Monterey Park and the broader area that we will support you in every way we can. – President Joe Biden.
“Monterey Park should have had a night of joyful celebration of the Lunar New Year. Instead, they were the victims of a horrific and heartless act of gun violence. Our hearts mourn as we learn more about the devastating acts of last night. We are monitoring the situation closely.” -California Gov. Gavin Newsom
The governor visited Monterey Park Sunday night and tweeted:
Spent time in Monterey Park today meeting with leaders and those impacted by this terrible tragedy. The strength of this community is incredible.
No other country in the world is terrorized by this constant stream of gun violence. We need real gun reform at a national level.
“Families deserve to celebrate the holidays in peace – mass shootings and gun violence are a plague on our communities. As investigations determine whether these murders were motivated by Asian hate, we continue to stand united against all attempts to divide us. My heart goes out to Monterey Park and the families and friends of those lost.” -Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
“I was devastated and heartbroken to learn the news of the tragedy that unfolded in Monterey Park last night when a celebration on the eve of Lunar New Year ended in bloodshed. Our country is watching a community’s pain and outrage unfold in real-time, a scene that has played out so many times before. I’m grieving for the community of Monterey Park, which had so much taken from them last night, and I’m also grieving for what isn’t there: a sense of safety and security when we gather in public in the United States. We owe it to all of the victims of gun violence to build this safer future.” -Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
“Let us pray for the victims of the Monterey Park shooting and their families, and we thank all of the first responders. As we pray, let us continue to work to end this senseless violence.” -United State Rep. Nancy Pelosi.
“Today, we grieve for the lives lost and the families shattered by this horrific attack on residents of Monterey Park and Alhambra who were peacefully celebrating the Lunar New Year. Once again, we struggle to cope with the insanity of mass murder by firearms. Once again, we struggle to comprehend the hatred that leads any individual to wreak such horror on their fellow human beings. Mass shootings in our country feel like recurring outbreaks of a disease we cannot cure, but we cannot, and we will not, stop fighting to end this madness. Today, all Angelenos are united in our grief and our support for the victims of this crime and the entire Asian American community.” -L.A. City Council President Paul Krekorian.
“We pray for those killed and injured in this shooting, we ask that God stay close to their families and loved ones. We pray for the wounded to be healed, and we ask that God give strength and guidance to the doctors and nurses who are caring for them. We ask that God grant wisdom and prudence to law enforcement and public officials working to make sense of the violence and keep our communities safe. And we pray for peace. Peace in the hearts of those who are troubled. Peace in the hearts of those who are afraid and hurting today, and peace for those whose faith has been shaken. We pray also for peace in our own hearts. We pray that we might feel God’s love and know that he will deliver us from every evil. We ask Our Blessed Mother Mary to intercede for us, to be a mother to us in this hour of pain and uncertainty. May she help us to care for those who are suffering and to be healers and peacemakers in our world.” -Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles
“The City of Artesia, its Council, staff, and residents express their most heartfelt condolences to the many families in Monterey Park mourning the loss of loved ones as a result of a senseless act of violence. It is devastating when safety is compromised in a community. And to know this horrific incident has occurred here in our region deeply saddens all of us. I encourage community members to be advocates for unity, peace, and mental health care. We stand stronger when we are United. We offer our support to the City of Monterey Park, and the entire community, as they deal with the unimaginable aftermath of gun violence and begin the path to healing. May God bless Monterey Park and our Nation.” – Artesia Mayor Monica Manalo