Alleged Monterey Park Lunar New Year Mass Shooter Dies By Suicide After Standoff

The stand-off occurred around 30 miles from Monterey Park.

Content Warning

This article includes descriptions of graphic content, suicide or self harm, and violence that may disturb some readers.

Following the Lunar New Year mass shooting in Monterey Park, authorities have announced that the suspect has died by suicide following a stand-off with police.

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

On January 21, PST, a mass shooting occurred at a Lunar New Year celebration in Monterey Park, California.

At around 10:22 PM PST, the suspect entered the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park, a suburb of Los Angeles. He then began shooting, killing five men and five women, and injuring ten others.

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Around 20 to 30 minutes later, a man entered the Lai Lai Ballroom in Alhambra with a gun but had his firearm wrestled from him before he fled the scene. LA County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that these two incidents “may be related.” Witnesses described a white cargo van, which authorities announced as a “van of interest.”

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna speaking at a press conference. | CNN

At 11:45 AM, PST, officers entered businesses in Torrance, California, and instructed them to remain inside due to a standoff with the suspected white van occurring outside. Shortly after, Sheriff Luna tweeted photos of the alleged shooter, identifying him as “armed and dangerous.”

Police involved in the standoff gave orders for the van’s driver to exit the vehicle but heard the sounds of a gun going off. Police have since entered the van and begun searching for evidence in relation to the two incidents.

The suspect is seen slumped over the wheel of the van. | Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times
Officers breaching the suspect’s van. | CNN

Sheriff Luna has announced that they are not sure if the driver is the shooter but will continue to investigate and have urged community members to come forward if they have any information.

People look at the scene near the shooting. | Mike Blake/Reuters

For those affected by the shooting, a victim resource center has been set up at the Langley Senior Center in Monterey Park.

As we’re looking for the suspect, we will not forget the victims and survivors.

— Sheriff Robert Luna

Our deepest condolences to the victims’ families.

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