New York, NY — Today, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund released the below statement in response to the mass shooting in Monterey Park, California over lunar new year celebrations on Saturday.

“We are dismayed at the tragic display of violence in Monterey Park. In a moment when Asian American communities are celebrating new beginnings and the lunar new year, we are instead mourning the devastating loss of life in yet another mass shooting. Gun violence is pervasive and has impacted every corner of American society. We stand against violence in all its forms and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” said Margaret Fung, executive director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.