Mass shooting in California leaves at least 10 dead, others injured at Lunar New Year festival; suspect on the loose

A suspect remains at large after at least 10 people were killed and several others injured in a mass shooting at a ballroom dance club in Monterey Park, Calif., late Saturday night in an area where people gathered to celebrate Lunar New Year’s Eve, officials said. .

Capt. Drew Meyer of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau confirmed early Sunday morning that 10 victims were pronounced dead at the scene, with another 10 victims being taken to local hospitals in a range of conditions ranging from stable to critical.

Meyer said the suspect, who authorities previously identified as male, fled the scene after the shooting and remains at large. No description of the suspect was immediately available.

When the police arrived at the dance hall around 10:30 pm, people “come out screaming” when the officers arrived at the dance hall, Meyer said, adding that the officers entered the club as firefighters were treating the injured.

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A police officer stands near the scene of a shooting in Monterey Park, California on Sunday, January 22, 2023.
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

According to photos and videos in Citizen, an app designed to let residents report crimes in their area, a large police presence has responded to the 120 block of West Garvey Avenue in Monterey Park, a city in Los Angeles County.

Several police cars were seen blocking the open area between the GBC International Bank and the Chinese grocery store TS Emporium. Entertainment centers, shops and restaurants lined W Garvey Avenue on Saturday night.

The Monterey Park Fire Department told Fox News Digital that there was a massive shooting, but could not confirm how many people may have been hit by the firearm. Monterey police have yet to release any information about the shooting, but have said a press conference is scheduled for 7 a.m. PT.

Sergeant Bob Bowes of the Sheriff’s Department previously confirmed to The Associated Press that the shooter is male, but did not release any other identifying information.

Officials said the Lunar Festival, which was due to take place in Monterey Park late Sunday, was canceled “out of a precaution.”

On Saturday evening, many people gathered in the city to celebrate the Lunar New Year “Year of the Rabbit”.

A police car is seen near the scene of the shooting in Monterey Park, California on Sunday, January 22, 2023.
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

According to the Monterey Park city government website, the Lunar New Year Festival features “vendors offering unique gifts and delicacies, food stalls with all sorts of delicious items, rides and lots of live performances.”

Police investigate the scene of a shooting in Monterey Park, California on Sunday, January 22, 2023.
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Two police officers stand guard outside the scene of a shooting in Monterey Park, California on Sunday, January 22, 2023.
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The festival kicked off on Saturday morning and included “various forms of entertainment,” the website says. And: “The carnival entertainment area will be featured in the car parks at the corner of Garvey and Lincoln Avenue.”

“Past Monterey Park Lunar New Year events have drawn more than 100,000 visitors a day from across Southern California,” the post reads.

A large police presence was reported Saturday night in Monterey Park, California amid reports of a possible mass shooting.
(Civil application)

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Monterey Park Police Department for more information.

This is an evolving story. Updates will be added as additional information becomes available.