Shooting at Monterey Park Lunar New Year event investigated

A shooting with potential multiple victims was under investigation Saturday night, Jan. 22, in Monterey Park. Freelance news organization RMG News reported it happened around 10:30 p.m. apparently during a Lunar New Year celebration of the “Year of the Rabbit” downtown at a business at 122 W. Garvey Ave., near the intersection of Garvey and Garfield avenues.

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A broadcast report said thousands of people had been attending the event. Later, police and emergency medical personnel were on the scene as Monterey Park police investigated. Witnesses remained gathered at the scene late Saturday and roads in the area were closed.

It wasn’t immediately known how many people may have been struck by gunfire.

We are waiting on a potential press conference. Lots of reporters are here but we have received very little info from police on site. There isn’t any clear official number of fatalities or victims. We will bring you info as soon as we can responsibly and truthfully do so. pic.twitter.com/mYMPu6vK9w

— Emily Holshouser (@emilyytayylor) January 22, 2023

Nearby agencies were assisting the Monterey Park police and fire departments. According to video from the scene and broadcast reports, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s investigators, El Monte and Alhambra police and South Pasadena fire personnel were on scene.

A city of about 61,000 people according to Census statistics, Monterey Park is located east of Los Angeles and is sandwiched between the 10 and 60 freeways. About 65 percent of its residents are Asian and many would be celebrating Lunar New Year, which is the most important annual holiday in China.

https://twitter.com/AndrewChouDB/status/1617073573763641345?

Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones tonight in our neighboring city, Monterey Park, where a mass shooting just occurred. Monterey Park is home to one of the largest Asian communities in Los Angeles County and many were out celebrating the Lunar New Year.

— Kenneth Mejia, CPA (@kennethmejiaLA) January 22, 2023