News ExchangeStop the Hate

‘Never Again’ Say Speakers at Monterey Park Memorial

By Julian Do
Hero Brandon Tsay blocked a mass shooter who had killed 11 people at a dance studio in Monterey Park, California. (Julian Do photo)

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MONTEREY PARK, California — Officials, activists, residents, and members of in-language and mainstream media came together at Repetto Elementary School here Jan. 19, to discuss community healing and hate violence prevention, one year after a mass shooting.

On Jan. 21, 2023, Tran Huu Can, 72, killed 11 people at a dance hall in Monterey Park on the eve of Lunar New Year. Tran then went to another dance studio to continue shooting, but was stopped by Brandon Tsay.

The elderly man had engaged with police officers twice before the deadly attack, but got no support for his delusions of his family poisoning him.

Monterey Park Mayor Jose Sanchez. (Julian Do photo)

The shooting was the worst gun violence in Los Angeles county history. It spotlighted the issues of isolated immigrant seniors, mental health, and access to guns.

Tsay was honored by President Joe Biden at his 2023 State of the Union address. He spoke at the Monterey Park memorial, which was sponsored by the Los Angeles Times. Other speakers included former Monterey Park mayor Henry Lo, and the current mayor, Jose Sanchez.

Drexel Ngo and Alina Ramos of Brightwood Elementary School. (Julian Do photo)

8th graders Drexel Ngo and Alina Ramos showcased their emergency app called RED-11 (“eleven” is a tribute to the number of victims). The app can alert student families to an active shooting on campus. “Never again” was echoed by all speakers.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.