10 dead, 9 injured in mass shooting at Chinese Lunar New Year party in California

Police are responding to a shooting in Monterey Park in California as multiple casualties have been reported at Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations. Monterey Park is a city just east of Los Angeles. Videos that emerged on social media show officers swarming the area while firefighters assist the victims.

The mass shooting incident took place when thousands of people gathered Saturday afternoon (local time) for a two-day festival in the city which is also considered one of the largest in the region. As per a report by LA Times, the shooting took place at nearly 10 pm (local time). One of the witnesses also told the outlet that they believed the shooting took place at a dance club.

Media reports have also stated that the suspected shooter remains at large.




The gruesome incident comes against the backdrop of crowds coming together to take part in multiple activities marking the Chinese Lunar New Year. As per the City of Monterey Park notice, people were allowed to participate in a range of events such as live entertainment and visit vendors.

The Lunar New Year was rung in by people in China on Sunday with celebrations including large gatherings and crowds at the temple, especially after the government lifted harsh Covid-19 restrictions. Without the ‘zero-Covid’ policy, Chinese Lunar New Year festivities this year are the biggest celebration of its kind since the pandemic began three years ago.

FAQs:

1. What is Chinese Lunar New Year?
   It’s a new year festival marking the beginning of the new year as per the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.
2. When is the Chinese Lunar New Year?
   This year, it falls on January 22, 2023.