Man holding assault rifle. Source : Mauricio Mascaro via Pexels
After the shooting at a California dance hall, two more mass shootings have taken place resulting in loss of life.
This past weekend, 11 people were killed in Monterey Park, California, by 72-year-old Huu Can Tran, who took to the Star Ballroom Dance Studio, and later the neighbouring city of Alhambra’s Lai Lai Ballroom during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Tran was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a manhunt occurred.
Half Moon Bay
7 people were killed in Half Moon Bay, California on Monday (local time) at two mushroom farms, allegedly by 66-year-old Chunli Zhao.
San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said the shooting was likely motivated by workplace violence, as Zhao was an employee of Mountain Mushroom Farm where part of the incident occurred.
“All the evidence we have points to this being workplace violence.” Sheriff Corpus said.
“The Mountain Mushroom Farm, the first location, was where the suspect was employed.” She said
Zhao allegedly surrendered himself, as he was arrested outside a Sheriff’s station where he had driven after the shootings occurred.
Officials said Zhao was not known to police.
“Zhao had no known criminal history in San Mateo Country, and there were no preceding factors known to law enforcement that would have suggested Zhao was about to carry out this heinous act of violence.” They said.
Mountain Mushroom Farm operators Terra Garden expressed their grief over the incident.
“We remain shocked and grief-stricken over the senseless loss of four of our friends and long-time employees, and we pray for the team member that remains in critical condition.” They said.
Yakima
3 people were killed in a Circle K convenience store in Yakima, Washington State on Tuesday (local time) allegedly by suspected gunman 21-year-old Jarid Haddock.
Yakima Police Chief Matthew Murray said Jarid Haddock, the suspect in the Yakima shootings, allegedly made incriminating statements on a phone call with his mother, as overheard by a witness who leant Haddock her phone.
The phone call took place sometime after the Circle K shooting occurred, and at a different location.
“He made several incriminating statements, including ‘I killed those people’.” Mr Murray said.
“He made several statements in front of her that he was then going to kill himself.” He said.
The witness regained her phone and called 911.
The witness was advised to go inside a business to keep herself safe while officers arrived.
Haddock died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound prior to the arrival of officers, however they attempted to save his life.
Mr Murray said there is currently no motive for the shooting.
“It appears to be a random situation.” Mr Murray said.
“There was no apparent conflict…the male just walked in and started shooting.” He said.
Red Springs
Also on Monday (local time) 3 were killed in Red Springs, North Carolina allegedly by 46-year-old Corey Grant Leak.
Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said detectives were called to the scene at approximately 2.46pm where 3 were found dead and another taken to hospital with life threatening injuries.
Leak was taken into custody at approximately 4.30pm Tuesday (local time) by detectives.
Impact
The three shootings this week have raised the 2023 mass shooting toll in the US to at least 39 as of the time this article is published.
Vice President Kamala Harris responded to the events after the Monterey Park shooting in front of a Tallahassee, Florida crowd.
“A time of cultural celebration…and yet another community has been torn apart by senseless gun violence.” Vice President Harris said.
“All of us in this room and in our country understand this violence must stop.” She said.
President Joe Biden urged lawmakers to ban assault weapons and those that take high-capacity magazines, and to raise the age where firearms can be purchased to 21.
“The majority of the American people agree with this common sense action.” President Biden said.
“There can be no greater responsibility than to do all we can to ensure the safety of our children, our communities, and our nation.” He said.
Read more:
10 people shot and killed at Lunar New Year celebration as US gun violence continues
