What started as the biggest event of the year in Monterey Park ended in tragedy after a gunman killed 11 people in a dance studio just hours after the city’s Lunar New Year holiday. Monterey Park says Hate Asians on the rise across the country.
Lunar New Year is a big and popular holiday for many Asian cultures around the world, Wong said, including in Monterey Park. which has a large Asian American community about 65% of residents are of Asian descent. And about 100,000 people from all over Southern California often come out to celebrate Chinese New Year.
This is the first year that the city’s celebrations have actually taken place. since the pandemic started in 2020
“I am excited to come together again to celebrate the community. bring the family together But we are dealing with this tragedy and trying to get through this together,” Wong told CNN on Monday.
He described Saturday’s shooting as a “Tragedy overlaps with tragedy.”
“We have gained an edge over the past few years as COVID has increased and affected our communities. And the growing hatred of Asians in our community as well. and to deal with this Other than that – for our local community – is huge, sad,” he said.
despite the difficulties But Wong said he also saw communities coming together to help each other. “Neighbors check neighbors. The family checks the family,” he said.
“The outpouring of support is encouraging during this tragic time,” Wong said.
Police are still investigating the cause of the shooting, Wong said he hopes to get more answers soon to try to prevent it from happening again.
