Content warning: This email reflects on the events in Monterey Park, California on January 21, 2023. If this is too much to read, we understand. Take care of yourself and skip the rest of this email. Here are some mental health resources that you may find helpful.
John,
Today marks two years since the tragic mass shooting in Monterey Park, California, a predominantly Asian American community.
Just after the town celebrated at a Lunar New Year festival, gunfire broke out and eleven people were killed. Nine more were injured and the community was forever changed.
What should’ve been a night of joyful celebration turned into a lifetime of trauma and fear. This is the horrifying effect of gun violence.
Until we live in a country that prioritizes our safety ahead of the gun lobby’s profits, we will continue to live in fear that at any moment, something like this could happen to someone we love. Our fight must continue.
Last year, we fought for and won SB 2 and AB 28 in California, laws that strengthen California's gun safety and will go a long way toward preventing mass shootings like the one in Monterey Park.
Thanks to our collective efforts, CA banned firearms in public spaces, enhanced safety training for permit-holders, created a firearm tax to raise more than $160 million annually for gun violence intervention programs, and so much more.
It was a monumental victory, but our work is far from finished.
We cherish the memories of those who passed and honor their lives with action.
In solidarity,
March For Our Lives
Today and every day, we honor the lives lost in Monterey Park:
Xiujuan Yu, 57 Hongying Jian, 62 Lilan Li, 63 Wen Tau Yu, 64 Mymy Nhan, 65 Muoi Dai Ung, 67 Valentino Marcos Alvero, 68 Diana Man Ling Tom, 70 Ming Wei Ma, 72 Yu Lun Kao, 72 Chia Ling Yau, 76 |
