STATEMENT: AAPI Victory Alliance Mourns with Community in Monterey Park, CA and Calls on Congress for Swift Action

WASHINGTON — Today, the AAPI Victory Alliance released a statement mourning with our Asian American community around Monterey Park, CA after a gunman killed and injured many at a Lunar New Year Festival.

AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement: 
“The AAPI community is once again mourning in the aftermath of another act of gun violence. On the eve of what was to be a celebration for our community, this senseless tragedy in Monterey Park reminds us of the struggle that our community continues to endure because of America’s violent history. 

“It is far too easy to resort to acts of violence when there is unfettered access to weapons of destruction. In polling done last year, rising gun violence was the greatest concern in the AAPI community. Sadly, the gun industry and the NRA have taken advantage of continued rising hate and violence against the AAPI community as a tactic to market and sell us even more guns. How twisted and perverse can they be?    

“We continue to call on Congress to enact more meaningful and effective gun safety legislation. Our community needs swift action now; we will keep fighting until our leaders listen and enact national legislation!”

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