At Least ten people have been killed and several injured after a suspect opened fire at Monterey Park in the US state of California. The incident took place in Monterey Park 13 km from Los Angeles. The suspect, carrying a long gun, opened fire in the ballroom dance studio of Monetary Park but managed to flee after killing 10 people.
Lunar New Year festival
People had gathered in the area to celebrate a week-long Lunar new year festival, the largest Chinese festival in the Chinese calendar. The festival attracted more than 100,000 visitors from the surrounding areas. The death toll could increase as 10 others were badly injured and were transferred to nearby hospitals. “This is [supposed to be] a happy time,” Edwin Chen said, a delivery dispatcher living nearby.
Mostly Asian Neighborhood
Asian Americans make up the bulk of the population of Monterey Park, with a total population of 61,000. The neighbourhood is in the east of Los Angeles where 65% of the population is Asian American, 27% Latino, and only 6% white.
Motive Behind The Attack
The police have not confirmed the motive behind the attack as the suspect is still on the run. Sheriff’s Capt. Meyer said it was too early to say anything about the motive behind the attack as the investigation is still underway. The community is speculating that this was a possible hate crime committed against them.
