Overview

2023 Monterey Park shooting refers to a U.S. mass shooting that took place in Monterey Park, California, United States On January 21, 2023.

The 72-year-old shooter named Huu Can Tran killed 12 people at a Star Ballroom Dance Studio and later committed suicide by in a standoff. The event sparked discussion, controversy and political debate over gun control.

Background

Monterey Park is in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County and lies about seven miles (11 km) east of downtown Los Angeles. About 65% of the residents are of Asian descent; in the 1990 census it became the first city in the mainland United States with a majority of residents of Asian descent.^[5][11] Tens of thousands of people had gathered nearby on January 21, Lunar New Year's Eve, for the start of the two-day festival,^[5][12] one of the largest Lunar New Year's celebrations in Southern California.^[7] The festival was scheduled to end at 9:00 p.m. that day.^[13]

The Star Ballroom Dance Studio is a Chinese-owned dance studio in the 100 block of West Garvey Avenue, near the intersection of Garfield Avenue.^[1][14] It was holding a Lunar New Year countdown dance party from 8:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.,^[15] which was not part of the festival.^[13] The Star Ballroom's dance parties, and the studio generally, are popular with older Asian Americans.^[16][17]

Developments

Death Toll / Victims

Trans' motive for the attack remains unclear. Going into the day after, a death toll of 12 people.^[1] NBC News made a compilation image of all the people who lost their lives. (shown below).

External References