L.A. Care Health Plan extends its deepest condolences to everyone impacted by the horrific mass shooting on Saturday, January 21, in Monterey Park, California. Ten people who had gathered at a dance hall that served mostly senior citizens were killed and 10 others hospitalized. People had gathered in Monterey Park, a predominantly Asian community, to celebrate the Lunar New Year, and we are saddened to know that they are now grieving. We mourn with them. L.A. Care serves residents of Los Angeles County and we stand in support of the people of Monterey Park, Alhambra and Torrance, communities directly affected by this tragedy.
We don’t yet know what precipitated these horrendous events, but we do know that they involved firearms. Just 23 days into the New Year, and this country has already seen 36 mass shootings where four or more people were shot. L.A. Care has taken a strong stance against gun violence. In a letter to Congress last year, our CEO urged lawmakers to take action on gun safety legislation. While we were pleased about the subsequent federal gun safety law expanding background checks, it didn’t go far enough.
L.A. Care refuses to accept that the situation is hopeless. That’s why our CEO convened a gun violence prevention summit last fall, bringing together leaders from a variety of sectors to talk about solutions to address gun violence. We will continue to urge lawmakers to take further action on gun safety, including a ban on assault weapons, a 10-day waiting period for all gun purchases, and age restrictions. L.A. Care will continue to advocate for social justice and offer our comfort and support to all who have suffered the terror of gun violence.