MONTEREY PARK, Calif. – It has been almost a year since the tragic mass shooting that left 11 people dead and the community in shock. Nevertheless, the people of Monterey Park have remained resilient and determined to persevere, as evidenced by the community remembrance fair held on Saturday. The event included a dance lesson in honor of the victims, which took place at the Lai Lai Ballroom in Alhambra.
The ballroom was filled with lively dancing and community members showing their support. Brandon Tsay, the hero who disarmed the mass shooter, organized the weekend remembrance event, which also featured guest speakers and a health service fair. Tsay, who grew up around the ballroom, admitted that he had considered shutting it down after the tragedy, but the overwhelming support from the community convinced him otherwise.
In addition to keeping the dance studio open, Tsay has started a partnership with the Asian Pacific Unity Fund to create a legacy fund called the Brandon Tsay Hero Fund. This fund is aimed at providing mental health resources and support to the community, helping them heal from the heartbreak caused by the shooting.
The shooting took place at the Star Dance Studio in Monterey Park before the gunman drove to the Lai Lai Ballroom in Alhambra, where Tsay was able to disarm him and prevent further tragedy. First responders were also honored for their actions during the event, highlighting the importance of community support and resilience in the face of tragedy.
As the community continues to heal, events like the community remembrance fair serve as a reminder of their strength and determination to overcome the traumatic events of the past year, honoring the memory of the victims and supporting one another through difficult times. Its a clear demonstration of the commitment to resilience and healing in the face of such devastating events.