The AAPI Victory Alliance on the Anniversaries of the Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay Shootings
The AAPI Victory Alliance on the Anniversaries of the Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay Shootings
WASHINGTON — Two years ago, our community was forever changed by the tragedies in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, where joyous Lunar New Year celebrations turned into a legacy of heartbreak. On this anniversary, the AAPI Victory Alliance honors the lives lost in these senseless acts of gun violence and stands with the survivors, families, and communities still grappling with the aftermath.
Gun violence in America is not just a public health crisis — it is a human rights and racial justice issue. As we mark these anniversaries, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting for systemic change by educating our communities, advocating for commonsense gun safety laws, and holding leaders accountable at every level of government.
The establishment of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention was a historic step forward in addressing this epidemic, saving lives, and protecting communities across the nation. This office represents hope and action in the fight against senseless gun violence—a fight that cannot afford to be abandoned.
As President Trump begins his new term, his administration faces a moral imperative: preserve and expand the critical work of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. To dismantle this progress would not only jeopardize countless lives but also send a devastating message to victims, survivors, and communities still grieving their losses. Gun violence is a crisis that demands bold leadership, not regression. We urge President Trump to rise to this moment, prioritize the safety of all Americans, and honor the voices of the countless families who have demanded change.
Anything less is an abdication of responsibility and a betrayal of the American people.
The AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement:
“Two years ago, during the height of Lunar New Year celebrations, our community was devastated by back-to-back mass shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, California. Today, gun violence in America remains not only a public health issue but a human rights and racial justice issue.
“As we mark these anniversaries, we must meet this moment with bold and immediate action. Leaders at every level, including President Trump, must choose to stand with our communities by preserving and expanding the critical work of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Anything less is unacceptable. Lives are on the line, and the stakes could not be higher.
“On these anniversaries and every day, we honor the lives lost to senseless acts of gun violence by demanding real change. Our vision is clear: a future where AAPIs and all Americans can live free from fear — whether at home, school, work, or places of worship. We will not stop until that vision becomes reality.”
The AAPI Victory Alliance stands in solidarity with the survivors, families, and all those affected by these tragedies. We will honor their memory by continuing the fight for safer communities and a future free from the fear of gun violence.
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AAPI Victory Alliance empowers Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities to lead the charge in shaping a more progressive future. We educate, advocate, and build partnerships to drive policies that uplift our communities, ensuring AAPIs are the decisive force in elections at every level — from local races to national contests.