Two years have passed since the devastating mass shooting that forever altered this tight-knit, predominantly Asian American community. On January 21, 2023, the Star Ballroom Dance Studio, typically a place of joy and celebration, became the site of a senseless act of violence that claimed the lives of 11 people, all of Asian descent, during a Lunar New Year celebration.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the City of Monterey Park held a solemn ceremony to honor the victims and reflect on the profound impact of that night.
Representative Judy Chu, whose district includes Monterey Park, said, “Today marks two years since the tragic Monterey Park mass shooting, a heartbreaking event that has permanently changed the community I have called home for 39 years. Today, I mourn and honor the eleven lives lost, all of Asian descent, and hold their memory close.”
The victims were identified as Ming Wei Ma, 72; Yu-Lun Kao, 72; Valentino Marcos Alvero, 68; Wen-Tau Yu, 64; MyMy Nhan, 65; Xiujuan Yu, 57; Muoi Dai Ung, 67; Hongying Jian, 62; Chia Ling Yau, 76; Diana Man Ling Tom, 70; and LiLan Li, 63. These individuals were regulars at the Star Ballroom, a beloved venue in Monterey Park, where they gathered to dance and celebrate life.
The tragedy not only left families grieving but also left an indelible scar on a community that once felt safe and unified, particularly during the festive occasion of Lunar New Year.
As Representative Chu said, “What should have been a joyous Lunar New Year celebration—a cherished time for the Asian American community—was tragically overshadowed by a night of senseless violence that altered our community forever.”
A candlelight vigil was held at 6 p.m. on the front lawn of Monterey Park City Hall, where community members gathered to remember the victims. The city invited the public to leave flowers and other memorial items near the flagpole in front of City Hall, creating a temporary memorial to honor the lives lost. These items will remain until January 30, allowing the public a chance to reflect and pay their respects.
The shooter, Huu Can Tran, 72, of Hemet, opened fire at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio before attempting to continue his rampage at Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio in nearby Alhambra. His efforts were thwarted by Brandon Tsay, who bravely disarmed Tran and prevented further bloodshed. The following day, Tran took his own life.
As the anniversary of the shooting serves as both a painful reminder and a call for action, Representative Chu urged for legislative reform: “We have the power to honor the memory of those we’ve lost by passing comprehensive gun safety reform that will prevent future gun violence.”
Chu, a longtime advocate for gun control, reiterated her commitment to working toward policies that aim to reduce gun violence across the nation.
For the families of the victims and the survivors, the emotional toll of that night remains heavy. The journey of healing is ongoing, as they continue to grapple with the loss of loved ones and the trauma of such a violent act in a place that was meant for celebration and community.
Monterey Park, a city long known for its vibrant cultural heritage and close-knit community, has been forever changed.
But the resilience of its people shines through in their efforts to honor those who were taken too soon and to work toward a future where such tragedies are less likely to occur.
Among those in attendance at the ceremony was junior Los Altos high school student Anna Li, 17, who reflected on the lasting impact of the tragedy on her generation. “I was just a freshman when the shooting happened. It’s heartbreaking to see how much it still affects everyone here,” she said. “It’s a constant reminder that something so awful can happen in a place where people feel safe. But it also reminds us that we need to do something about it—like passing stricter gun laws—so we don’t have to live with that fear.”