ALHAMBRA, Calif. – It has been nearly a year since the city of Monterey Park was forever changed by a mass shooting that claimed the lives of 11 people. Despite the devastation, the community has remained resilient and came together on Saturday for a dance lesson in honor of the victims.
The Lai Lai Ballroom in Alhambra was filled with lively music and rhythmic dancing as community members gathered for the Community Remembrance Fair. The event included guest speakers and a health service fair, providing an opportunity for healing and support.
The remembrance event was organized by Brandon Tsay, the man who bravely disarmed the mass shooter during the tragic incident.
Tsay, who has a deep personal connection to the Lai Lai Ballroom, expressed his initial struggle with the idea of closing the establishment that his grandmother worked hard to open. However, with the overwhelming support of the public, he chose to keep the dance studio open as a symbol of resilience and hope.
In addition to his efforts to keep the ballroom operational, Tsay has also established a partnership with the Asian Pacific Unity Fund to create the Brandon Tsay Hero Fund. This fund aims to provide mental health resources and support to the community as they continue to heal from the trauma.
The mass shooting, which occurred during a Lunar New Year celebration, shook the city of Monterey Park to its core. The gunman then attempted to continue his rampage at the Lai Lai Ballroom in Alhambra, but thanks to Tsay’s intervention, further tragedy was averted.
As the community comes together to honor the lives lost and support one another, the hope for healing and resilience remains at the forefront of their efforts. The impact of the tragedy has sparked a renewed sense of unity and determination to persevere in the face of adversity.