Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation Sunday declaring the Lunar New Year and ordered flags at all state buildings to fly at half-staff in honor of the victims of the Monterey Park mass shooting.
"As people across the country and the world welcome the Lunar New Year today, California stands with our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities reeling from the tragedy in Monterey Park," the official said in a statement. the proclamation.
He added that hearts go out to all those loved ones lost and those injured in this horrific act of gun violence in what should have been a night of joyous celebration.
“No one should have to fear for their life while gathering in their community. California will continue to lead the charge to end the epidemic of senseless gun violence and protect our diverse communities."
He further explained that whether they have called California home for generations or newcomers, the AAPI ?Asian American and Pacific Islander? they have shaped the golden state through seminal contributions.
However, he said, it is necessary to reflect on the violence and discrimination against AAPI throughout the history of the state and the deadly legacy of this hatred that continues to this day. "It is incumbent on all of us to continue to speak out against racism past and present and fight for the safety and inclusion of these Californians."
In that regard, Newsom stressed that California embraces the many diverse communities that call the state home.
This year, he said, for the first time, the state is recognizing Lunar New Year as an official state holiday, honoring the invaluable contributions of Asian Americans to California history and inviting everyone to appreciate the holiday's rich traditions. special.
"Today and every day, let's show support and solidarity to our AAPI friends, family and neighbors and uphold the diversity and values that define our state," he concluded.
And it is that, last Saturday night, a party was held at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio, located in the heart of Monterey Park, California, where people from the Chinese community gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year, but sometime after 10 p.m., the party was interrupted by a series of shots fired from a gunman.
The outcome of the massacre ended with five men and five women being shot dead, while 10 more were wounded before the perpetrator, police believe, left the scene and entered a second dance club in nearby Alhambra, where clients were able to disarm him before he fled in a white cargo van.
After an hour-long pursuit on Sunday, January 22, a SWAT team immobilized said vehicle in a parking lot in Torrance, about 30 miles from the scene of the shooting. However, as officers approached, they heard a gunshot, only seconds later to discover that the man, identified as 72-year-old Huu Can Tran, had shot himself, killing him, the Los Angeles County Sheriff said. , Robert Moon.
On Sunday night, Gavin Newson went to Monterey Park, where, according to a post on his Twitter account, he met with leaders and people affected by the terrible tragedy. "The strength of this community is incredible."
"No other country in the world is terrified by this constant stream of armed violence. We need real nationwide gun reform," he wrote.
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