On the evening of Jan. 21, 2023, Monterey Park, California became yet another chapter of the gun violence epidemic pervading the United States. Tragedy unfolded at a Lunar New Year weekend celebration at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in the Los Angeles suburb after a gunman, identified as 72-year-old Huu Can Tran, opened fire on innocent civilians with a semi-automatic pistol, killing 11 and injuring 9. After proceeding to a second location, the Lai Lai Ballroom and Studio in nearby Alhambra, Tran was confronted and disarmed in the building lobby by 26-year-old Brandon Tsay.
After a regional manhunt for the suspect, a white van matching the description of Tran’s vehicle was located in Torrance, California on Sunday morning. After being pulled over and approached by officers, a single gunshot was heard, prompting officers to request SWAT’s presence. After a brief standoff involving an armored vehicle blockade, a SWAT team approached the vehicle, finding Tran deceased inside with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Dr. Tamara White, Associate Dean of Students, Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence at the University of Denver, released a statement condemning the violence and offering support in wake of the tragedy.
“On Friday, January 20, 2023, our Asian Student Alliance (ASA) and The Cultural Center brought us together in community and celebration of the Lunar New Year. As celebrations continued this weekend, we are deeply saddened by the tragic mass shooting that followed a Lunar New Year celebration in Los Angeles, CA. We can imagine the pain, hurt, sadness, and anger after another mass shooting directed at our marginalized communities. We unite in solidarity with the victims, their families and friends, the citizens of Los Angeles, and the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) communities to condemn this horrific act of violence. Together, and in our sphere of control and influence, we will continue to fight against these acts of hate. The Division of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence (SAIE) has an unwavering commitment to uphold and promote all human life. We shall be steadfast in creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments for everyone.”
On Monday afternoon, DU’s Office of the Provost released a statement, which read, “Together, we mourn the lives lost following the tragedy during a sacred celebration of the Lunar New Year in Los Angeles. We are again faced with deep and painful emotions as a result of the persistent violence that impacts our marginalized communities. We stand in solidarity to condemn this act of violence against Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans (APIDA)…We encourage our faculty and staff to be flexible when working with students during this difficult time. Student Outreach & Support is available to assist students with needs as they may arise. Also recognizing the impact on our faculty and staff, a number of resources are available including the Faculty and Staff Support Network and the Employee Assistance Program.”
