President Biden Delivers Remarks in Monterey Park

President Biden was in Monterey Park, California yesterday to meet with the families and victims of the shooting that took place earlier this year. During Lunar New Year celebrations in January, 11 people were killed and nine others were injured in a shooting at a dance studio in Monterey Park. 

Monterey Park is home to a large Asian American population, which has faced increased attacks in the face of heightened racism as well as gun violence. Many of these attacks occur in places of business, and more often, small businesses. This violence has left a lasting impact on the mental health and morale of Asian American communities everywhere, and there remains a long road to healing. 

The Biden-Harris Administration has taken several important steps to support the AAPI community since taking office, including signing the Executive Order on Advancing Justice, Equity, and Opportunity for AAPIs. As part of the Executive Order, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders released an inaugural strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for AA and NHPI Communities. In May 2021, President Biden signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law following an alarming increase in harmful rhetoric targeted at the AAPI community and has been a strong supporter of the AAPI community following devastating shootings in Atlanta in March 2021, and in Monterey Park in 2023.  

We look forward to hearing how President Biden and Congress build on their plans for curbing the violence facing AAPI communities, small businesses, and diverse neighborhoods all over the country. Find National ACE’s statement on the shooting in Monterey Park here.