New details on deadly Monterey Park mass shooting that killed 10 emerge

January 22, 2023

A gunman who opened fire in a dancehall in Monterey Park, killing 10 and wounding at least 10 others, remains at large, officials announced Sunday morning.

The suspect was identified by Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna at a news conference as “a male Asian.” But few details about him, the firearm he used or his whereabouts were known.

A detective places evidence markers on Sunday, January 22, 2023 after a mass shooting at Star Dance where ten people were killed Saturday night in Monterey Park where the community was celebrating the Lunar New Year. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Policemen work near the scene of a mass shooting in Monterey Park, California, on January 22, 2023. – Ten people have died and at least 10 others have been wounded in a mass shooting in a largely Asian city in southern California, police said, with the suspect still at large hours later. (Photo by Robyn BECK / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

Monterey Park police officers stand at the scene of a mass shooting in Monterey Park, California, on January 22, 2023. – Ten people have died and at least 10 others have been wounded in a mass shooting in a largely Asian city in southern California, police said, with the suspect still at large hours later. (Photo by Robyn BECK / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

Investigators work at the scene of a mass shooting in Monterey Park, California, on January 22, 2023. – Ten people have died and at least 10 others have been wounded in a mass shooting in a largely Asian city in southern California, police said, with the suspect still at large hours later. (Photo by Robyn BECK / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

FBI agents walk near a scene where a shooting took place in Monterey Park, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. Nine people were killed in a mass shooting late Saturday in a city east of Los Angeles following a Lunar New Year celebration that attracted thousands, police said. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Firefighters prepare to transport a patient after a reported shooting late Saturday during a Lunar New Year event in Monterey Park. (Photo by RMG News)

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“We don’t believe it was an assault rifle at this time,” Luna said. He said investigators are following “multiple leads.”

“We are still in the process of interviewing dozens of witnesses,” Luna said at shortly before 9 a.m.

He said five men and five women were killed. It was not known if the victims were targeted.

The mass shooting inside a Monterey Park ballroom, at 122 W. Garvey Ave., near the intersection of Garvey and Garfield avenues, happened just after 10:20 p.m. Saturday as residents celebrated the Lunar New Year, officials said.

It was not the city’s Lunar New Year street event, which returned after three years Saturday. Sunday’s street celebration was canceled as a safety precaution, Monterey Park officials said.

##ChineseNewYear #massshooting press conference pic.twitter.com/1UrK43DLuW

— dean musgrove (@deanmusgrove) January 22, 2023

Other Lunar New Year events around Southern California would take place Sunday with increased security, officials said.

Early Sunday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden is monitoring the situation.

“The President has been briefed by the Homeland Security Advisor on the mass shooting in Monterey Park,” Jean-Pierre tweeted. “He directed her to make sure that the FBI is providing full support to local authorities, and to update him regularly today as more details are known.

Sheriff’s homicide detectives were also in nearby Alhambra on Sunday investigating a reported shooting attempt at the Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio in the 100 block of South Garfield Avenue Saturday night, trying to determine whether the two crimes were connected. That shooting happened between 17 to 22 minutes after the Monterey Park shooting, officials said.

People at the Alhambra business reportedly were able to disarm the male suspect, who fled the scene, and no injuries were reported. Some witnesses in Alhambra described a white cargo van, Luna said.

Ten dead in Monterey Park. I am sickened.

A horrific example of needless gun violence. With bigotry toward AAPI individuals as a possible motive.

The families are in my prayers as we seek information by law enforcement.

We’ll never quit demanding real action on gun safety.

— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) January 22, 2023

Monterey Park is a city of about 61,000 people according to Census statistics, and is located east of Los Angeles between the 10 and 60 freeways. About 65% of its residents are Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Anyone with information about the shooting was encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Information can be provided anonymously to “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477).

This is a developing story. Check back for more information.

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