America shocked after Lunar New Year shooting leaves 20 dead and injured

Speaking to the press, Los Angeles Police Chief Robert Luna said the suspect was Huu Can Tran, 72 years old. When the authorities approached a white car parked on the side of the road believed to belong to the suspect, the suspect pulled out a gun and committed suicide.

Authorities said no other suspects have been identified in connection with the mass shooting. The investigation is currently underway to determine the motive behind the massacre. Investigations show that the shooting at the Monterey Park dance club in the Los Angeles area was just one of the suspect's plans. After carrying out the shooting at Monterey Park, the suspect continued to look for another dance area in Alhambra, 20 minutes away, with a gun in hand. However, when he entered, the suspect was disarmed. Therefore, no shooting occurred here.

Police cordoned off the scene of the incident. Photo: Los Angeles Times

Earlier, the police launched a manhunt for the suspect after extracting camera footage from the area where the shooting occurred. The incident occurred at around 10 pm (local time) and left at least 10 people dead and 10 others injured. Many are in critical condition.

The area where the shooting occurred is home to a large Asian population. 65% of the residents here are of Asian descent. The area where the shooting occurred is quiet, beautiful and peaceful. Taking place in the context of many Asians celebrating the Lunar New Year, the incident shocked many residents: "This is a community where my children often come here to learn art. We also often come here to buy food. We often see elderly people walking here many times. This is a safe area for people to walk. It is very sad that this incident happened," said one resident.

US President Joe Biden has strongly condemned the shooting and directed his homeland security advisers to mobilize federal support for local authorities to investigate the incident.

From Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the shooting and expressed his condolences to the United States. According to Prime Minister Trudeau, it is wonderful that people can gather to celebrate Lunar New Year for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, but the news of the shooting has caused sadness in a time that should be filled with joy.

"This year, Lunar New Year is being celebrated in Chinatowns. It is a time for people to come together. It is sad to hear about the shooting in Monterey Park, USA. My thoughts are with the families of the victims and their families," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Mass shootings are not uncommon in the US and the attack in Monterey Park is the latest bloody incident to occur since May 2022 and the most serious mass shooting in Los Angeles County since the 2008 shooting./.