Bay Area, Federal Officials React to Southern California Lunar New Year Mass Shooting

Monica StanlyJanuary 23, 2023

Bay Area, state and federal officials are responding to a fatal mass shooting that took place in the Southern California neighborhood of Monterey Park on Saturday night.

The shooting took place in a dance studio after a night of Lunar New Year celebrations in the area.

According to official figures, 10 people died at the scene. While another 10 people were taken to hospitals, some of them were in critical condition on Sunday morning.

Only five men and five women were among the victims, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. Their age was not immediately available.

President Joe Biden

Jill and I pray for those who were killed and wounded in last night’s mass shooting in Monterey Park.

I am closely monitoring this situation and encourage the community to follow the guidance of local authorities and law enforcement in the coming hours.

— President Biden (@POTUS) January 22, 2023

Vice President Kamala Harris

During the night, another community was torn apart by a senseless act of gun violence. To affected families in Monterey Park: Doug and I mourn with you and pray for you. @POTUS and I will continue to give full support to local authorities as we learn more.

— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) January 22, 2023

Governor Gavin Newsom

It was supposed to be a night of joyful Lunar New Year celebrations in Monterey Park. Instead, they were victims of a horrific and heartless act of gun violence.

Our hearts grieve as we learn more about the ravages of last night. We are closely monitoring the situation.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 22, 2023

Mayor of San Francisco London Breed

We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting in Southern California on Lunar New Year’s Eve and our thoughts are with the victims and their families. This is a time when people should celebrate with loved ones and friends rather than mourn another act of brutal violence.

— London Breed (@LondonBreed) January 22, 2023

Auckland Mayor Sheng Tao

Americans have been woken up too many times by news of yet another mass shooting. Now it’s happening again.

Gun violence has devastated our communities and families. 1/2

— Mayor Sheng Tao 盛桃 (@MayorShengThao) January 22, 2023

Rep. Barbara Lee

On the day we should be celebrating the Lunar New Year, we should mourn yet another tragic loss of life. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, and pray for a full and speedy recovery for those injured in the California nighttime mass shooting.

— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) January 22, 2023

San Francisco Police Department

“We express our sincere condolences to the victims of this incident in Southern California. We are closely following the tragic shooting incident that took place in Monterey Park on Saturday night. We are working with the community to resolve any security issues during the Lunar New Year celebration. “We are also working with our law enforcement partners to collect information that may impact public safety. We currently have no information on credible threats. Our employees are on high alert and ready to respond to any incident that may occur. Anyone with information that could affect immediate public safety is asked to call 911. Otherwise, to get information about crimes, you can contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or send a message to TIP411 and start communication with the SFPD.