FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2022
“We mourn the 11 people killed in a shooting Saturday in the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park, CA and pray for the recovery of the 10 people who were wounded. The victims were celebrating the Lunar New Year when the alleged perpetrator, a 72-year-old man, began firing. He also tried to carry out another mass murder in a dance studio in Alhambra, CA but thankfully was disarmed by two brave people. The shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot and his motive is still unknown.
“The gunman used a semi-automatic pistol with an extended, large-capacity magazine, which enabled him to fire so many shots in such a short time. This weaponry has no place in the hands of civilians.
“This weekend’s shooting is the 36th mass shooting in the United States this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, and we are only a few weeks in.
“In the midst of this violence, news came that a smaller version of the AR-15 rifle called “JR 15” is being marketed again to children and their parents by the manufacturer, WEE1 Tactical. Considering the mass shootings in schools where AR-15s were used to slaughter children, this is beyond disturbing. These are not toy guns, and children should not be exposed to such a shameless pitch for profits.”
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PAGV is an independent coalition of approximately 70 prosecutors from diverse jurisdictions throughout the United States, working toward solutions to end gun violence. The group is co-chaired by Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley, and brings together prosecutors to discuss policies, legislation, and strategies to help prevent and confront gun violence in their jurisdictions.
To stay up to date with PAGV’s progress, join the mailing list at ProsecutorsAGV.org, and follow PAGV on Facebook and Twitter.
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