Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes and Senator Lena Gonzalez react to Mass Shooting in Monterey Park, CA

SACRAMENTO— Today, Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes, Chair, and Senator Lena Gonzalez, Vice Chair, issued the following statement on behalf of the California Latino Legislative Caucus:

“We are heartbroken and appalled by the horrific mass shooting in Monterey Park claiming the lives of ten people and injuring a dozen more. The reports of further gun violence in neighboring Alhambra are equally concerning.

“It is especially devastating that this tragedy occurred on the eve of the Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in many API communities. Monterey Park had just concluded the first day of their annual Lunar New Year Festival.

“All families deserve to celebrate the holidays in peace, joy, and safety, free from the threat of gun violence.

“We will monitor this situation closely as it develops, and urge our communities to follow guidance from local officials and law enforcement.

“The California Latino Legislative Caucus stands in solidarity with our colleagues in the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus and the API community in California and beyond to denounce these horrific and senseless attacks. Monterey Park is home to 60,000 people, about 65 percent of whom are Asian Americans, one of the largest percentages of AAPI residents in the U.S.”

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Since its creation in 1973, the California Latino Legislative Caucus has grown in number and stature. There are now a record 35 legislative members of the Caucus, including a historic majority of 21 Latina members. The Caucus boasts a rich history of empowerment, legislative and political success and serves as one of the most influential and strategic organizations in California focusing primarily on improving the quality of life for California’s Latino working families.