LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis released the following statement after the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved her urgency motion, co-authored by Chair Janice Hahn, to declare gun violence a public health crisis, to establish protocols and procedures to respond to any future mass violent events, emphasizing the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate communication and direct various County departments to work with state and federal partners in coordinating necessary resources and funding to support the survivors, victims, and their families of the Monterey Park mass shooting.
“On Saturday, January 21, the City of Monterey Park experienced a senseless act of gun violence, with 11 residents tragically losing their lives and 9 residents being injured. This shooting was especially tragic as the community was in the midst of a joyous celebration of Lunar New Year, and now, this tragedy in Monterey Park becomes the latest in a series of mass shooting events that the nation continues to grapple with,” said Supervisor Solis. “As the survivors, families of the victims, and the community at large respond to this heinous event, it is imperative that they and other residents know that the County will deploy the resources and support needed to respond in both the immediate aftermath and as the community works on a path toward healing, recovery, and justice. Although the hope is that these tragedies are rare, the reality is these incidents are becoming more commonplace. The Monterey Park mass shooting is the 36th that this country has experienced within the first three weeks of 2023. To that end, we must ensure that protocols and procedures are in place to respond to such events quickly, effectively, and in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.”
To read the full motion, click here.