[VT January 20, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C.] Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Chair Emerita Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), and CAPAC member Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16) issued a joint statement this week commemorating the third anniversary of the mass shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, California.
In January 2023, two deadly mass shootings occurred within a 48-hour span in California. The first took place in Monterey Park, a predominantly Asian American community and home to what is considered the nation’s first suburban Chinatown, represented by Rep. Chu. The second occurred in Half Moon Bay, represented by Rep. Liccardo. The attacks killed 18 people and wounded 10 others, the majority of whom were of Asian descent.
“This week marks three years since the devastating mass shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay that claimed 18 precious lives and injured ten others, most of whom were Asian,” the lawmakers said in their statement.
They noted that the shootings happened as millions of families across the United States were gathering to celebrate the Lunar New Year, turning what should have been a time of joy into tragedy. The violence also deepened fear within Asian American communities amid a rise in anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We hold the families of the victims and the residents of Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay in our hearts,” the statement continued. “May they find comfort in knowing that they are not alone, and that so many across the country share in their grief and continue to honor those we lost.”
The lawmakers also called on Congress to take action to address gun violence. “Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders deserve to live free from gun violence. Congress must honor their memories with action by passing legislation to end the gun violence epidemic and keep our communities safe. CAPAC will never stop fighting to make this a reality for all.”
