Virtually a yr has handed since 11 individuals have been killed in a mass capturing that rocked Monterey Park. Though the tragedy shocked the tight-knit neighborhood, it stored residents resilient and decided to persevere, resulting in Saturday's dance lesson honoring the victims whose lives have been minimize brief.
The Lai Lai Ballroom within the Alhambra was buzzing Saturday as neighborhood members jammed and danced as a part of the Group Remembrance Truthful. Along with the dance lesson, the occasion had visitor audio system and a well being service truthful.
The reminder of the weekend was offered by Brandon Tsay, the person who heroically disarmed the mass shooter.
“Dance has been a part of my id my entire life,” Tsay stated.
The hero admitted that he struggled with the concept of closing the Lai Lai Ballroom, which his grandmother labored so exhausting to open.
“It was simply positivity from the general public popping out once more, reaching out to me and contacting me and saying 'You possibly can't shut, you need to open,' as a result of if we closed, the shooter would have realized his intention,” stated Tsay.
With the dance studio remaining open, Tsay stated he’s centered on discovering different methods to assist his neighborhood heal from the guts.
“I truly began a partnership with the Asia Pacific Unity Fund to begin a legacy fund known as the Brandon Tsay Hero Fund, which offers with psychological well being assets and neighborhood relations,” he stated.
The gunman opened hearth on a number of individuals celebrating the Lunar New 12 months on the Star Dance Studio in Monterey Park on January 21, 2023. Shortly after, he drove to the Lai Lai Ballroom in Alhambra, the place he deliberate to proceed his killing spree earlier than Tsay disarms himself. he
First responders within the Monterey Park mass capturing have been honored for his or her actions. Gordon Tokumatsu reviews for NBC4 Information on Might 10, 2023.