On Saturday, Jan. 21, at approximately 10:22 p.m., a shooting took place during a Lunar New Year Celebration at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park, Calif. that killed 10 people, with another 10 hospitalized.
The Los Angeles Dodgers released a statement on Sunday standing with the people of Monterey Park, which is approximately 10 miles from Dodger Stadium, and the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
“The Dodgers are saddened and shocked by the senseless mass shooting that took place in neighboring Monterey Park,” their statement said. “What was meant to be a joyous celebration for Lunar New Year, turned tragic.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, survivors, our neighbors, and all of those affected by this tragedy. We stand in solidarity with the AAPI community.”
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 22, 2023
The City of Monterey Park also released a statement to “express condolences to the individuals, families, and friends who were injured in this tragic incident.” Additionally, as a precaution, they canceled the second day of the festival, which was scheduled to take place on Sunday.
Monterey Park’s demographic breakdown is roughly 65% Asian with a city population of about 60,000 people. In previous years, more than 100,000 people have attended their Lunar New Year celebrations.
According to LAist, the city opened a resource center for anyone at the Langley Senior Citizen Center, and authorities encouraged anyone who is concerned someone they know may have been injured in the shooting should go to the center.
According to Los Angeles County sheriff Robert Luna, the suspect is still at large, and he was described as an Asian male, but his name has not been released. Law enforcement also investigated a situation in Torrance that may be connected, but no additional information was released.
The motive behind the shooting is unclear, but authorities are looking into every possible angle. including whether the shooter knew anyone at the celebration.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), using your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website.
Dodgers condemned rise in crimes against Asian Americans
In 2021, crimes targeting Asian Americans spiked, and the Dodgers spoke out at a time when many athletes and organizations were condemning social injustice and systemic racism.
“This bigotry and hatred has no place in our society and to be clear, the Dodger organization condemns this widespread xenophobic violence and intolerance. Such bullying is nothing short of cowardice,” the organization said in a statement.
“Besides Jackie Robinson, the Dodgers have a legacy of pioneering Asian All-Star players like Hideo Nomo (Japan), Chan-Ho Park (Korea), and Hong-Chih Kuo (Taiwan). In addition, the Dodgers have had more players of Asian ancestry than any other Major League Baseball team.
“Of course, we have an extremely diverse fan base fueled by the largest Asian American population in the United States. Dodger Stadium has always been a common ground for all. The Dodgers stand with every American who knows that our nation’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths.
“We are proud that the Dodgers family spans the globe and welcomes people of every background. We all have a responsibility to call out and act against racism, and to work toward a more just, equitable and loving nation – not only during moments of protest but always.”
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