On Sunday afternoon local time, President Joe Biden expressed his condolences to the victims of the mass shooting in Monterey Park. He also ordered flags to be at half-staff in their honor.
“Jill and I are thinking of those killed and injured in last night’s deadly mass shooting in Monterey Park, ” Biden said in the statement. “While there is still much we don’t know about the motive in this senseless attack, we do know that many families are grieving tonight, or praying that their loved one will recover from their wounds.”
He also acknowledged the impact this attack has had on the Asian American and Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders communities, pointing out in the statement that Monterey Park is home to one of the largest AA and NHPI communities in America.
“Many of whom were celebrating the Lunar New Year along with loved ones and friends this weekend,” Biden stated. “As we await more crucial information from law enforcement, I want to assure the community of Monterey Park and the broader area that we will support you in every way we can.”
He also put out an additional proclamation below, and according to the statement, flags will be at half-staff until Thursday evening.
As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on January 21, 2023, in Monterey Park, California, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, January 26, 2023. – Proclamation by President Biden, January 22, 2023
Vice President Kamala Harris also offered her condolences Sunday while speaking at an event in Florida.
“All of us in this room and in our country understand this violence must stop,” said Harris. “And President Biden and I and our administration will continue to provide full support to the local authorities as we learn more.”
See more: The City Of Monterey Park Has Set Up A Memorial Honoring Shooting Victims