Local communities call for action in wake of CA mass shootings

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - A couple of mass shootings in California that left a total of 18 people dead have had an impact across the country and in Connecticut.

A vigil was held in Hartford on Tuesday night for the victims.

Eleven people were killed in Monterey Park in California Saturday night. Two days later, seven people were killed another mass shooting took place in Half Moon Bay.

Connecticut residents said the shootings impacted communities all over the country.

“How many times do we have to hear about this before we are able to take some actions and make some movement?” asked Mui Mui Hin-McCormick, the chair of the Asian Pacific American Coalition of Connecticut.

Connecticut residents, mostly with roots in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, spoke out about how they were struck by the news out of California.

“Let us remember the victims and their families. As many of our own Connecticut residents, we’re getting ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The Monterey Park community was excited as well,” said Angela Rola, the director of the Asian American Cultural Center.

Speakers at the vigil said they hoped 2023 would be not marred by the tragedies. They sought action, especially from lawmakers.

Earlier this week, Gov. Ned Lamont, state health officials, and mayors from Connecticut’s largest cities announced part of a package of proposals. They included:

• Investing $2.5 million in community violence intervention programs.
• Banning the open carrying of firearms in public.
• Limiting handgun purchases to one per month.
• Updating the state’s ban on unregistered “ghost guns” to stop their illegal flow.

“Gun violence is something that continues the conversation,” said Miriam Yeung, president, Organization of Chinese Americans. “Mental illness is providing that service to wide range of the community. Having translator to explain what it is becomes a stigma and it has to come out of the closet.”

To get involved in the conversations head to these links:

• UConn Asian American Studies Institute
• Organization of Chinese Americans of Fairfield County

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