FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2023
Media contact: Rachel Koelzer, rachel@nakasec.org, (213) 703-0992
NAKASEC On the Mass Shooting in Monterey Park, CA
NATIONWIDE – Together, the NAKASEC Network and its five affiliates express deep sympathy and grief for the violence that unfolded this Lunar New Year, Sunday, January 22, in Monterey Park, California. Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones and we collectively mourn, once again, the devastating loss of lives to gun violence.
Lunar New Year is a significant cultural holiday for millions across the U.S. and around the world. It is a day meant for family togetherness and rich cultural traditions that honor our past, present, and future. Instead, eleven people were unnecessarily taken from their loved ones and communities, and countless more are injured and grieving.
“Yesterday’s attack is a tragedy that reverberates in our communities and across the country. As an organization who works with Korean and Asian Americans and immigrants to create changes at the local, state, and federal levels, we implore elected officials to act thoughtfully and swiftly to address gun violence and community safety needs,” said Becky Belcore, co-director of the National Korean American and Education Consortium (NAKASEC).
In the country with the world’s highest rates of gun violence, our communities have lost elders, family members, friends, and loved ones because those in power prefer to profit from corporations and the gun industry rather than value human lives. To truly demonstrate care for the safety and wellbeing of all people, including Asian Americans and immigrants, there are a number of steps Congress can and must take. By ensuring that every person has access to culturally and linguistically competent mental health care, enacting stringent gun safety measures, and listening to advocates on the ground, elected officials could begin effectively addressing the rampant gun violence that continues to harm our society.
To the victims and their families, and our community members grieving this unnecessary tragedy: Our hearts are with you, and we hope you are able to rest and care for yourselves and each other. We will continue with each other toward meaningful change and a society where every person is safe.
We recommend donating to AAJC-SC’s fundraiser. To seek support, we recommend checking out the Asian Mental Health Collective.
Founded in 1994, the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC)’s mission is to organize Korean and Asian Americans to achieve social, economic, and racial justice. The NAKASEC Network is HANA Center (Illinois), Hamkae Center (Virginia), Woori Center (Pennsylvania), MinKwon Center for Community Action (New York & New Jersey) and Woori Juntos (Texas).
