MONTEREY PARK, Calif. – Mourners are preparing to gather for a candlelight vigil at Monterey Park City Hall to honor the victims of a mass shooting that took place at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio. The shooting resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals and left nine others wounded in Monterey Park. The vigil is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24, 2023. It marks one year since the tragic event that occurred on the eve of the Lunar New Year, where 11 people lost their lives while engaging in their passion for dancing, smiling, and coming together on the dance floor.
As the community prepares to commemorate the somber date, organizers have invited the public to join them in remembering the city’s darkest day and the lives that were lost. The vigil, scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 21, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. outside Monterey Park City Hall. The event is part of a week-long remembrance of the tragic shooting.
The tragic incident took place when a gunman entered the Star Ballroom Dance Studio on Garvey Avenue and opened fire with a semi-automatic Cobray pistol on January 21. Since then, the community has been on a journey of recovery, with efforts dedicated to providing support for the survivors, families of the victims, first responders, and city leaders who have sought resources to address the mental health needs of a community still reeling from the trauma.
This Sunday’s vigil aims to provide a space for reflection and healing, as the city comes together to honor the memory of the shooting victims and to stand in solidarity against violence. The evening will include various activities, such as Buddhist chanting, Christian prayers, a musical performance by the Mark Keppel High School String Quintet, a Tongva Blessing, and an official vigil.
Elected officials, survivors, family members, and residents will also share remarks during the vigil. The event will be a solemn but meaningful opportunity for the community to come together and remember the lives that were lost. The public is invited to attend the candlelight vigil, which will begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21, at Monterey Park City Hall, located at 320 W. Newmark Ave.