(LOS ANGELES, CA – 01/23/2023) –The Los Angeles office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today expressed solidarity with the Asian American community after a deadly mass shooting in a Monterey Park, Calif., dance studio on Lunar New Year’s Eve.
On Saturday, Jan. 23, a gunman opened fire in a crowded dance studio resulting in the death of 10 people and wounding 10 others. The suspect, identified as Huu Can Tran, 72, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a standoff with law enforcement near Torrance, Calif. The motive behind the attack has not yet been confirmed.
SEE: Authorities identify 72-year-old man as suspected gunman in Lunar New Year mass shooting
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“We are deeply saddened by the horrific mass shooting during a time of joy and celebration. The Asian American community deserves to celebrate their holidays in peace and safety. We would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of the victims and offer our support to our Asian American neighbors during this difficult time.
“However, it is not enough to simply speak out against these senseless acts. We ask that our nation’s leaders take a stand against gun violence once and for all to prevent these incidents from reoccurring.”
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com