The gunman who killed 10 people and injured 10 more in the Los Angeles area on Saturday night died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Sunday afternoon, officials said.
Huu Can Tran, 72, opened fire shortly after 10:20 p.m. Saturday at a Lunar New Year party at a dance hall in Monterey Park, Calif., police said.
The attack in a predominantly Asian community was the deadliest case of gun violence in the United States since 21 people were killed in the country. School in Uvalde, TexasMay 2022.
Police said Tolan fled the scene and attempted a second attack in the nearby city of the Alhambra, but took the weapon out of his hands. I fled the scene.
Officials said Tran took his own life on Sunday after being approached by police.
Seven of the 10 people who were taken to hospital with injuries were being treated on Sunday evening, with at least one in a critical condition. The identities of the five male and five female victims have not been released.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Tran used a semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine in the attack. Luna did not share details about a possible motive.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, right, speaks to reporters on Sunday after the shooting at a dance studio in Monterey Park © Caroline Brehman/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
“I still have my doubts,” Democratic Rep. Judy Chu, who represents California’s 28th congressional district, which includes Monterey Park and the Alhambra, told a news conference, according to the Associated Press.
“What was this shooter’s motive? Did he have a mental illness? Was he a domestic violence abuser? How did he get these guns? Is it legal?” Was it by some means?”
The attack was the 33rd mass shooting in the United States this year, according to statistics compiled by the Gun Violence Archive, which counts incidents in which four or more people were shot, not including the attacker. On Sunday, the archives documented three other mass shootings of him.
U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday that he had authorized “full federal assistance to local and state officials” to help investigate the shooting.
“[First lady] Jill [Biden] And my thoughts are with those killed and injured in last night’s deadly shooting in Monterey Park,” the statement read. However, I know many families are either grieving tonight or praying for their loved ones to recover from their wounds.”
