FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2023
PHRC statement on deadly mass shootings in California
Harrisburg, PA- The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is heartbroken over the news of two more mass shootings in our nation. Late Saturday night, a gunman opened fire after a Lunar New Year celebration in Monterey Park, California, killing at least 11 people and injuring nine others. A second shooting happened in Half Moon Bay, California on Monday, killing seven and injuring one other.
"While the motives of these senseless tragedies are still unknown, one thing is certain, along with having a gun problem our nation has a hate problem," said Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW, Executive Director of the PHRC. "Everyone should be able to go to school, work, worship their god, or gather together to celebrate without the fear of violence. Something must be done to end these horrific tragedies. Any act of violence is an act of hate against our fellow humans. We need to take a look at ourselves and discover what is the root cause of this hatred."
"Once again, the Asian American Pacific Islander community is grieving," added PHRC Director of Enforcement Kurt Jung. "It's a community that has seen a record number of attacks in the past year. Though the motive in the Monterey Park shooting has not been determined, it is tragic that such violence would happen during a time of hope and celebration. Lunar New Year celebrations are meant to be safe spaces where communities can come together to celebrate their heritages."
The PHRC urges anyone who has experienced acts of discrimination or hate to file a complaint with the PHRC by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available at www.PHRC.pa.gov.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Brothman, Director of Communications
AmBrothman@pa.gov
717.787.9537