Each of these terrifying events and their causes are distinct. However, their proximity to the Lunar New Year and the fact that the perpetrators and most of the victims in both attacks were of Asian descent means that Asian Americans and immigrant communities – near and far – are shouldering much of the pain, grief and fear. These overwhelming feelings aren’t new. They build upon a growing sense of vulnerability that many Asian Americans have felt in recent years as anti-Asian violence and anti-Asian political rhetoric have surged.
In the immediate aftermath of the tragedies in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, the local communities will need to navigate many difficult challenges to help victims, their family members, witnesses, first responders and all those who feel close to the pain caused by these events to heal. For those looking for ways to help and to show solidarity, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Southern California (AJ-SoCal) has joined with other Asian American groups to support the victims in Monterey Park. The AAPI Equity Alliance has also pulled together a helpful document with resources for Monterey Park victims and community members. In the Bay Area, the Asian Pacific Fund created a fund to provide in-language and culturally appropriate services for survivors and families impacted by the Half Moon Bay shootings.
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