Half Moon Bay mass shooting updates: Workplace violence believed to be motive

Half Moon Bay mass shooting updates: Workplace violence believed to be motive
Half Moon Bay mass shooting updates: Workplace violence believed to be motive
Kali9/Getty Images

(HALF MOON BAY, Calif.) — Seven people were killed on Monday in a mass shooting at two locations in Half Moon Bay, California, authorities said.

One person was also taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect, 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, is in custody. Workplace violence is believed to be the motive, authorities said.

This is the state’s second mass shooting in three days.

Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:

Jan 24, 7:17 PM EST
‘Only in America do we see this kind of carnage’: Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Half Moon Bay on Tuesday, offering strong words after three mass shootings have rocked the state in recent days.

“It’s said all the time — only in America,” Newsom said during a press briefing. “No. 1 in gun ownership, no. 1 in gun deaths, it’s not even complicated.”

“The one common denominator are these damn guns,” he continued. “I’ve got no ideological opposition to someone owning gun responsibility. But what the hell is wrong with us that we allow these weapons of war and large-capacity clips out on the streets or sidewalks? Why have we allowed this culture, this pattern to continue?”

Newsom applauded California’s gun safety measures, though said, “One state can’t do it alone,” and criticized the Republican party for blocking gun safety reform “every step of the way.”

“Only in America do we see this kind of carnage, this kind of chaos, this kind of destruction of communities and lives,” Newsom said.

Five men and two women were killed in the Half Moon Bay shooting. A male survivor is currently hospitalized in stable condition, authorities said.

The workers were shot “execution-style,” California Rep. Anna Eshoo said. The sheriff’s office did not provide any further details amid the investigation.

Jan 24, 12:41 PM EST
Workplace violence believed to be motive

Workplace violence is believed to be the motive for a gunman who opened fire at two Northern California farms on Monday, killing seven and injuring one, authorities said.

All victims — seven men and one woman — were adults, authorities said. The victims were of Asian and Hispanic descent, authorities said.

The suspect’s semi-automatic handgun was legally purchased, authorities said.

The suspect, 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, worked at one of the shooting locations, Mountain Mushroom Farm, but it’s unclear what connection he may have had with the victims beyond being co-workers, authorities said.

Zhao was not known to police, according to authorities.

Zhao is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday. Prosecutors will review the case and decide on charges, officials said.

The coroner’s office is working to notify the victims’ next of kin, but authorities said it’s difficult to reach families because some victims are migrants.

-ABC News’ Alex Stone

Jan 24, 8:15 AM EST
Biden calls for federal assault weapons ban after California mass shootings

President Joe Biden released a statement on Tuesday in the wake of the deadly mass shootings in Half Moon Bay and Monterey Park, California.

“Jill and I are praying for those killed and injured in the latest tragic shooting in Half Moon Bay, California,” Biden said. “For the second time in recent days, California communities are mourning the loss of loved ones in a senseless act of gun violence.”

“Following a briefing from my homeland security team, I have directed my administration to ensure local authorities and the broader Half Moon Bay community have the full support of the federal government in the wake of this heinous attack,” the president added.

On Monday, two days after another deadly mass shooting in Monterey Park, Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy reintroduced a federal ban on assault weapons as well as legislation that would raise the minimum purchase age to 21. In his statement on Tuesday, Biden said that while “we await further details on these shootings, we know the scourge of gun violence across America requires stronger action.”

“I once again urge both chambers of Congress to act quickly and deliver this Assault Weapons Ban to my desk, and take action to keep American communities, schools, workplaces, and homes safe,” the president said.

Jan 24, 2:04 AM EST
Farm principal says alleged gunman unfamiliar

Aaron Tung, principal at Concord Farms, one of the locations where the shooting took place, said the company wanted to thank the community for the “outpouring of thoughts and support.”

“We thank law enforcement for their swift response and actions. Concord Farms is a family owned and operated mushroom farm at this location for 37 years,” he said in a statement.

Tung added, “With no past knowledge with this gunman or his motives, we are shook and very eager to gain more information from the authorities and their investigations. Our hearts are with the victims, their families and the Chinese American community—from Half Moon Bay to Monterey Park.”

Jan 23, 11:01 PM EST
Semi-automatic handgun found in suspect’s car: Sheriff

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said a semi-automatic handgun was found in the suspect’s car.

The suspect, 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, is cooperating and being interviewed, the sheriff said.

Zhao is believed to have acted alone, Corpus said.

Jan 23, 10:53 PM EST
‘Our hearts are broken’: San Mateo County official

The gun violence in the U.S. is at “completely unacceptable levels,” and it “really hit home tonight,” San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Dave Pine said Monday. “Our hearts are broken.”

“But in the end, there are simply too many guns in this country,” Pine said. “And there has to be a change. This is not an acceptable way for modern society to live its conduct its affairs.”

Jan 23, 10:37 PM EST
Shooting took place at two separate nurseries, victims thought to be workers: Sheriff

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said the department was dispatched at 2:22 p.m. local time with reports of a shooting in unincorporated San Mateo County with multiple victims.

At the first location, four people were found dead with gunshot wounds and a fifth person was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition, Corpus said during a press briefing Monday.

Shortly afterward, three additional victims were found dead at a separate location about a mile away, the sheriff said.

Both locations are nurseries, large rural properties, and some people live on site; children witnessed the shooting, Corpus said. The victims are thought to be workers.

The suspect is thought to be a farm worker, Corpus said.

The motive and the relationship between the victims and the suspect are unknown at this time. The suspect is cooperating and being interviewed, Corpus said.

Jan 23, 10:11 PM EST
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office identifies suspect

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, a Half Moon Bay resident.

The sheriff’s office located his vehicle at 4:40 p.m. local time in the parking lot of the Sheriff’s Office Half Moon Bay Police Substation, the department said in a press release.

Zhao was taken into custody without incident, the sheriff’s office said, adding that he is believed to have acted alone.

A weapon was found in his vehicle, authorities said.

Jan 23, 9:35 PM EST
Biden has been briefed on San Mateo County shooting, White House says

President Joe Biden has been briefed on the mass shooting in San Mateo County, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted Monday night.

“He has asked federal law enforcement to provide any necessary assistance to the local authorities. As more details become available, the President will be updated,” she wrote.

-ABC News’ Molly Nagle

Jan 23, 9:35 PM EST
Sheriff’s office responded to shooting incident ‘with multiple victims’

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office tweeted that it responded to a shooting incident “with multiple victims in the area of HWY 92 and the HMB [Half Moon Bay] City limits,” later adding that a suspect is in custody and there is “no ongoing threat to the community at this time.”

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

4.2-magnitude earthquake strikes near Malibu, California, early Wednesday

4.2-magnitude earthquake strikes near Malibu, California, early Wednesday
4.2-magnitude earthquake strikes near Malibu, California, early Wednesday
Gary S Chapman/Getty Images

(NEW YORK) — A 4.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Malibu, California, at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday, U.S. Geological Survey officials said.

The quake was “too small” to trigger alerts to local cellphones, the USGS said on Twitter.

“We know some of you felt shaking and we hope you took a protective action like Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” officials said.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said in an alert that it had entered into “Earthquake Mode,” adding that all 106 stations across the city would begin surveying for damage.

“This survey will be conducted from the ground, air and sea,” the alert said. “Once this process is complete and reports are consolidated, assuming there is no significant damage, Earthquake mode will be complete.”

There were no initial reports of damage, the department said. The survey was expected to take about an hour.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Severe weather causes destruction in southeast Texas

Severe weather causes destruction in southeast Texas
Severe weather causes destruction in southeast Texas
@CowboyAstronut/Twitter

(NEW YORK) — Severe weather caused significant damage across southeast Texas on Tuesday, as dangerous tornadoes were confirmed.

A “large and destructive” tornado was confirmed moving over Deer Park, in the Houston metro region, around 2:30 p.m. local time, the National Weather Service said.

The agency later warned of a “large and extremely dangerous tornado” that was confirmed over Pinehurst, near the Texas-Louisiana border, around 4:30 p.m.

Several communities in the Houston region were conducting rescues and surveying damage as the storm moved through the area.

Pasadena officials said 911 call centers were inundated, with reports of building collapses, gas leaks and downed powerlines.

At least one non-life-threatening injury was reported, which was “unbelievable” considering the “amount of damage,” Pasadena Fire Chief Lanny Armstrong said during a press briefing.

Bayville officials reported several building collapses and a structure fire Tuesday afternoon. Multiple power lines were also downed and at least one home reported damage, officials said.

More than 97,000 customers were without power in Texas Tuesday evening, primarily in southeast Texas, according to PowerOutage.us.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Four arrested in alleged rape of LSU student later fatally struck by car: Police

Four arrested in alleged rape of LSU student later fatally struck by car: Police
Four arrested in alleged rape of LSU student later fatally struck by car: Police
Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images

(EAST BATON ROUGE, La.) — A Louisiana State University student who died after she was hit by a car while on her way home from a bar was allegedly raped shortly before the fatal crash, authorities said.

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office arrested four people on Monday, including three teenagers, in connection with the alleged sexual assault.

Madison Brooks, 19, was struck by a car while on the roadway early on Jan. 15 and died at a local hospital, authorities said. The driver, who was determined not to be impaired and contacted emergency personnel immediately, has not been charged, the sheriff’s office said.

Within hours of the deadly incident, Brooks was captured on surveillance footage stumbling and falling at a Baton Rouge bar, before leaving with the four suspects, according to the arrest warrant affidavits.

Kaivon Washington, 18, and a 17-year-old male were arrested and charged with third-degree rape, court records show.

Casen Carver, 18, and Everett Lee, 28, were also arrested and charged as principles to third-degree rape, court records show.

Carver, Lee and Washington were booked on Monday and appeared in court for a bond hearing Tuesday morning, during which their bail was set at $50,000, $75,000 and $150,000, respectively, according to the East Baton Rouge Clerk of Court.

The 17-year-old was booked into juvenile Detention and has not been identified by the sheriff’s office because he is a minor.

The four suspects met the victim at the bar, Reggie’s, and were taking her home, when two of them allegedly raped her, according to the arrest warrant affidavits.

During an interview with detectives on Jan. 16, Carver reportedly stated that while walking to his car from the bar, Brooks “was very unstable on her feet, was not able to keep her balance, and was unable to speak clearly without slurring her words,” the affidavits stated.

Carver reportedly told detectives that she had asked for a ride home and “he admitted that he agreed to give her the ride because he did not want to leave her while very intoxicated and the bar was closing,” according to the affidavits.

Carver stated he asked for Brooks’ address but “she fell over and could not answer him,” according to the affidavits.

He reportedly told detectives he soon parked at a nearby street, at which point the 17-year-old allegedly asked her “five times” to have sex and she consented, according to the affidavits. Then, Carver reportedly told detectives he heard Washington “ask the victim numerous times if she wanted to have sex, and she consented,” according to the affidavits.

Carver and Lee, who was identified as Washington’s uncle, allegedly remained in the front seats of the car the entire time, according to the affidavits.

Carver reportedly stated “we got to stop this, let’s go,” according to the affidavits. He started driving and ultimately dropped her off in a subdivision, according to the affidavits.
Brooks was hit by a car while in the middle of a roadway near the subdivision shortly before 3 a.m., about 50 minutes after leaving the bar, authorities said. Her blood alcohol content upon being admitted to the hospital was .319, according to the affidavits. The state’s legal limit to drive is .08.

When asked if Brooks was too impaired to consent, Carver allegedly replied, “I guess,” according to the affidavits.

The 17-year-old suspect and his mother did not want to provide a statement to detectives, while Lee reportedly confirmed to detectives that he was in the passenger seat that night, according to the affidavits.

Washington waived his right to an attorney and agreed to provide a statement on Jan. 21, during which he reportedly denied having sex with the victim, according to the affidavits. When asked to conduct an oral DNA swap, he “requested an attorney,” according to the affidavits.

In a phone interview with ABC Baton Rouge affiliate WBRZ before his surrender, Washington denied raping Brooks and said the sex was consensual, WBRZ reported.

His attorney, Ron Haley, also denied the rape allegations and told WBRZ that they have video proof that refutes the claims.

Attorney information for Carver and Lee was not immediately available.

In a statement to the school community following news of the arrests, LSU President William Tate called this a “horrific scenario.”

“Madison was a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a niece, a classmate, and a friend to many of you,” he said. “By all accounts, she was an amazing young woman with limitless potential. She should not have been taken from us in this way. What happened to her was evil, and our legal system will parcel out justice.”

Tate also condemned that Brooks and three of the suspects were underage yet “able to consume alcohol at a local bar.”

“As such, our action plan starts with a deep and relentless focus on any establishment that profits off our students by providing alcohol to underage individuals,” he said. “In the coming days, we will call a meeting with these business owners to discuss how their responsibilities directly impact the safety of our students. We will work openly against any business that doesn’t join us in efforts toward creating a safer environment for our students. Enough is enough.”

State regulators announced on Tuesday they have temporarily suspended Reggie’s liquor license over “recent incidents at this establishment.”

“Due to the seriousness of the allegations and the potential threat to public safety, an emergency suspension will be issued today,” the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control said in a statement. “This action immediately suspends the service or sale of alcoholic beverages at this location. An emergency hearing will be held next month to determine what penalties (if any) should be imposed following a presentation of the evidence.”

In a statement to WBRZ, Reggie’s said the bar’s owner “has fully cooperated with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police and the East Baton Rouge [Alcoholic Beverage Control] office since their first requests for assistance in their ongoing investigations and will continue to do so.”

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Three killed in random shooting in Yakima, Washington; suspect in custody

Three killed in random shooting in Yakima, Washington; suspect in custody
Three killed in random shooting in Yakima, Washington; suspect in custody
Yakima Police Dept.

(YAKIMA, Wash.) — A man accused of fatally shooting three people at a Circle K convenience store and gas station in Yakima, Washington, early Tuesday is in custody following an hours-long manhunt, authorities said.

After the shooting at the Circle K around 3:30 a.m. local time, the gunman went across the street to an ampm convenience store where he allegedly shot into a car and then stole it, Yakima Police Chief Matthew Murray told reporters.

It is possible the gunman shot the person in the car as he stole it, the chief said. If so, the driver would be the fourth shooting victim.

Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Jarid Haddock of Yakima County. He allegedly fled in a car believed to be a gray or silver Chrysler 200, the chief said.

Around 2:15 p.m. local time, a family member of the suspect called police to report that he was “behind some warehouses” in the city, Yakima police said.

Responding officers quickly found the suspect, who was injured by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. No officers fired at the suspect, who was being treated by first responders, according to Murray.

Murray called the Circle K shooting an apparent random attack. The gunman “just walked in and started shooting,” he said.

The motive is not known, he said.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Three killed in random shooting in Yakima, Washington; gunman at large

Three killed in random shooting in Yakima, Washington; suspect in custody
Three killed in random shooting in Yakima, Washington; suspect in custody
Yakima Police Dept.

(YAKIMA, Wash.) — A gunman is at large after he allegedly shot and killed three people at a Circle K convenience store and gas station in Yakima, Washington, early Tuesday, authorities said.

After the shooting at the Circle K around 3:30 a.m. local time, the gunman went across the street to an ampm convenience store where he allegedly shot into a car and then stole it, Yakima Police Chief Matthew Murray told reporters.

It is possible the gunman shot the person in the car as he stole it, the chief said. If so, the driver would be the fourth shooting victim.

Murray called it an apparent random attack. The gunman “just walked in and started shooting,” he said.

The motive is not known, he said.

Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Jarid Haddock of Yakima County.

He allegedly fled in a car believed to be a gray or silver Chrysler 200, the chief said.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Half Moon Bay mass shooting live updates: Workplace violence believed to be motive

Half Moon Bay mass shooting updates: Workplace violence believed to be motive
Half Moon Bay mass shooting updates: Workplace violence believed to be motive
Kali9/Getty Images

(HALF MOON BAY, Calif.) — Seven people were killed on Monday in a mass shooting at two locations in Half Moon Bay, California, authorities said.

One person was also taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect, 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, is in custody. Workplace violence is believed to be the motive, authorities said.

This is the state’s second mass shooting in three days.

Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:

Jan 24, 12:41 PM EST
Workplace violence believed to be motive

Workplace violence is believed to be the motive for a gunman who opened fire at two Northern California farms on Monday, killing seven and injuring one, authorities said.

All victims — seven men and one woman — were adults, authorities said. The victims were of Asian and Hispanic descent, authorities said.

The suspect’s semi-automatic handgun was legally purchased, authorities said.

The suspect, 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, worked at one of the shooting locations, Mountain Mushroom Farm, but it’s unclear what connection he may have had with the victims beyond being co-workers, authorities said.

Zhao was not known to police, according to authorities.

Zhao is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday. Prosecutors will review the case and decide on charges, officials said.

The coroner’s office is working to notify the victims’ next of kin, but authorities said it’s difficult to reach families because some victims are migrants.

-ABC News’ Alex Stone

Jan 24, 8:15 AM EST
Biden calls for federal assault weapons ban after California mass shootings

President Joe Biden released a statement on Tuesday in the wake of the deadly mass shootings in Half Moon Bay and Monterey Park, California.

“Jill and I are praying for those killed and injured in the latest tragic shooting in Half Moon Bay, California,” Biden said. “For the second time in recent days, California communities are mourning the loss of loved ones in a senseless act of gun violence.”

“Following a briefing from my homeland security team, I have directed my administration to ensure local authorities and the broader Half Moon Bay community have the full support of the federal government in the wake of this heinous attack,” the president added.

On Monday, two days after another deadly mass shooting in Monterey Park, Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy reintroduced a federal ban on assault weapons as well as legislation that would raise the minimum purchase age to 21. In his statement on Tuesday, Biden said that while “we await further details on these shootings, we know the scourge of gun violence across America requires stronger action.”

“I once again urge both chambers of Congress to act quickly and deliver this Assault Weapons Ban to my desk, and take action to keep American communities, schools, workplaces, and homes safe,” the president said.

Jan 24, 2:04 AM EST
Farm principal says alleged gunman unfamiliar

Aaron Tung, principal at Concord Farms, one of the locations where the shooting took place, said the company wanted to thank the community for the “outpouring of thoughts and support.”

“We thank law enforcement for their swift response and actions. Concord Farms is a family owned and operated mushroom farm at this location for 37 years,” he said in a statement.

Tung added, “With no past knowledge with this gunman or his motives, we are shook and very eager to gain more information from the authorities and their investigations. Our hearts are with the victims, their families and the Chinese American community—from Half Moon Bay to Monterey Park.”

Jan 23, 11:01 PM EST
Semi-automatic handgun found in suspect’s car: Sheriff

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said a semi-automatic handgun was found in the suspect’s car.

The suspect, 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, is cooperating and being interviewed, the sheriff said.

Zhao is believed to have acted alone, Corpus said.

Jan 23, 10:53 PM EST
‘Our hearts are broken’: San Mateo County official

The gun violence in the U.S. is at “completely unacceptable levels,” and it “really hit home tonight,” San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Dave Pine said Monday. “Our hearts are broken.”

“But in the end, there are simply too many guns in this country,” Pine said. “And there has to be a change. This is not an acceptable way for modern society to live its conduct its affairs.”

Jan 23, 10:37 PM EST
Shooting took place at two separate nurseries, victims thought to be workers: Sheriff

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said the department was dispatched at 2:22 p.m. local time with reports of a shooting in unincorporated San Mateo County with multiple victims.

At the first location, four people were found dead with gunshot wounds and a fifth person was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition, Corpus said during a press briefing Monday.

Shortly afterward, three additional victims were found dead at a separate location about a mile away, the sheriff said.

Both locations are nurseries, large rural properties, and some people live on site; children witnessed the shooting, Corpus said. The victims are thought to be workers.

The suspect is thought to be a farm worker, Corpus said.

The motive and the relationship between the victims and the suspect are unknown at this time. The suspect is cooperating and being interviewed, Corpus said.

Jan 23, 10:11 PM EST
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office identifies suspect

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, a Half Moon Bay resident.

The sheriff’s office located his vehicle at 4:40 p.m. local time in the parking lot of the Sheriff’s Office Half Moon Bay Police Substation, the department said in a press release.

Zhao was taken into custody without incident, the sheriff’s office said, adding that he is believed to have acted alone.

A weapon was found in his vehicle, authorities said.

Jan 23, 9:35 PM EST
Biden has been briefed on San Mateo County shooting, White House says

President Joe Biden has been briefed on the mass shooting in San Mateo County, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted Monday night.

“He has asked federal law enforcement to provide any necessary assistance to the local authorities. As more details become available, the President will be updated,” she wrote.

-ABC News’ Molly Nagle

Jan 23, 9:35 PM EST
Sheriff’s office responded to shooting incident ‘with multiple victims’

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office tweeted that it responded to a shooting incident “with multiple victims in the area of HWY 92 and the HMB [Half Moon Bay] City limits,” later adding that a suspect is in custody and there is “no ongoing threat to the community at this time.”

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

El Paso Walmart shooter to plead guilty in racist 2019 massacre

El Paso Walmart shooter to plead guilty in racist 2019 massacre
El Paso Walmart shooter to plead guilty in racist 2019 massacre
Olena Ruban/Getty Images

(EL PASO, Texas) — Patrick Crusius will plead guilty to shooting and killing 23 people at an El Paso Walmart in August 2019, according to a new court filing.

Crusius asked the court for a rearraignment hearing after federal prosecutors agreed to take the death penalty off the table.

“Defendant notifies the Court of his intention to enter a plea of guilty to the pending Indictment,” the filing said.

Federal prosecutors investigated the shooting as both domestic terrorism and a hate crime because Crusius allegedly targeted Hispanics.

He allegedly told investigators he chose the store near the U.S.-Mexico border because it was frequented by Hispanic shoppers.

Crusius was indicted on 90 charges by federal prosecutors in 2019, including 22 counts of committing a hate crime resulting in death, 22 counts of use of a firearm to commit murder, 23 counts of a hate crime involving an attempt to kill and 23 counts of use of a firearm during a crime. While 22 people died on the day of the shooting or in the next two days, a 23rd person died eight months later.

There were also 23 people injured in the attack.

The 21-year-old Crusius allegedly cased the Walmart unarmed before re-entering with protective ear muffs, safety glasses and an AR-15-style assault rifle. He opened fire indiscriminately even before walking into the store.

Investigators believe Crusius posted a four-page racist, anti-immigrant document on the website 8chan before launching the attack, officials said.

ABC News’ Bill Hutchinson and Luke Barr contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Half Moon Bay mass shooting live updates: Seven people killed, suspect in custody

Half Moon Bay mass shooting updates: Workplace violence believed to be motive
Half Moon Bay mass shooting updates: Workplace violence believed to be motive
Kali9/Getty Images

(HALF MOON BAY, Calif.) — Seven people were killed Monday in a shooting at two locations in Half Moon Bay, California, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office said. One person was also taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, the sheriff’s office said.

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as Chunli Zhao, 67. Police are still investigating and a motive is unknown at this time. This is the state’s second mass shooting in three days.

Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:

Jan 24, 2:04 AM EST
Farm principal says alleged gunman unfamiliar

Aaron Tung, principal at Concord Farms, one of the locations where the shooting took place, said the company wanted to thank the community for the “outpouring of thoughts and support.”

“We thank law enforcement for their swift response and actions. Concord Farms is a family owned and operated mushroom farm at this location for 37 years,” he said in a statement.

Tung added, “With no past knowledge with this gunman or his motives, we are shook and very eager to gain more information from the authorities and their investigations. Our hearts are with the victims, their families and the Chinese American community—from Half Moon Bay to Monterey Park.”

Jan 23, 11:01 PM EST
Semi-automatic handgun found in suspect’s car: Sheriff

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said a semi-automatic handgun was found in the suspect’s car.

The suspect, 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, is cooperating and being interviewed, the sheriff said.

Zhao is believed to have acted alone, Corpus said.

Jan 23, 10:53 PM EST
‘Our hearts are broken’: San Mateo County official

The gun violence in the U.S. is at “completely unacceptable levels,” and it “really hit home tonight,” San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Dave Pine said Monday. “Our hearts are broken.”

“But in the end, there are simply too many guns in this country,” Pine said. “And there has to be a change. This is not an acceptable way for modern society to live its conduct its affairs.”

Jan 23, 10:37 PM EST
Shooting took place at two separate nurseries, victims thought to be workers: Sheriff

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said the department was dispatched at 2:22 p.m. local time with reports of a shooting in unincorporated San Mateo County with multiple victims.

At the first location, four people were found dead with gunshot wounds and a fifth person was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition, Corpus said during a press briefing Monday.

Shortly afterward, three additional victims were found dead at a separate location about a mile away, the sheriff said.

Both locations are nurseries, large rural properties, and some people live on site; children witnessed the shooting, Corpus said. The victims are thought to be workers.

The suspect is thought to be a farm worker, Corpus said.

The motive and the relationship between the victims and the suspect are unknown at this time. The suspect is cooperating and being interviewed, Corpus said.

Jan 23, 10:11 PM EST
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office identifies suspect

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, a Half Moon Bay resident.

The sheriff’s office located his vehicle at 4:40 p.m. local time in the parking lot of the Sheriff’s Office Half Moon Bay Police Substation, the department said in a press release.

Zhao was taken into custody without incident, the sheriff’s office said, adding that he is believed to have acted alone.

A weapon was found in his vehicle, authorities said.

Jan 23, 9:35 PM EST
Biden has been briefed on San Mateo County shooting, White House says

President Joe Biden has been briefed on the mass shooting in San Mateo County, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted Monday night.

“He has asked federal law enforcement to provide any necessary assistance to the local authorities. As more details become available, the President will be updated,” she wrote.

-ABC News’ Molly Nagle

Jan 23, 9:35 PM EST
Sheriff’s office responded to shooting incident ‘with multiple victims’

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office tweeted that it responded to a shooting incident “with multiple victims in the area of HWY 92 and the HMB [Half Moon Bay] City limits,” later adding that a suspect is in custody and there is “no ongoing threat to the community at this time.”

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Monterey Park mass shooting live updates: Suspect had hundreds of rounds of ammunition, police say

Monterey Park mass shooting live updates: Suspect had hundreds of rounds of ammunition, police say
Monterey Park mass shooting live updates: Suspect had hundreds of rounds of ammunition, police say
Eric Thayer/Getty Images

(MONTEREY PARK, Calif.) — Eleven people were killed and nine others were injured by a gunman who opened fire at a crowded dance studio in Monterey Park, California, on Saturday night, authorities said.

The suspect — identified as 72-year-old Huu Can Tran — fled the scene and traveled to nearby Alhambra, where he allegedly entered a second dance hall before being disarmed there that same night. Tran was found dead on Sunday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a van in Torrance, about 30 miles southwest of Monterey Park, according to police.

Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:

Jan 24, 2:49 AM EST
Diana Tom remembered as ‘grandmother who loved to dance’

Diana Tom, 70, who was wounded at Star Dance in Monterey Park, died on Jan. 22 after being transported to a hospital in critical condition, her family said.

“On behalf of Diana Tom, we, her family, condemn this senseless act of violence that has uprooted the lives of all the victims, their families and the entire API community at large,” the family said in a statement. “We honor and support all of those affected.”

The family said Tom was a “hard-working mother, wife and grandmother who loved to dance.”

“On the night of January 21, Diana was at Star Dance celebrating the Lunar New Year by dancing with her friends,” the statement said. “To those who knew her, she was someone who always went out of her way to give to others.”

Jan 23, 7:50 PM EST
Monterey Park was worst mass shooting in LA County history, supervisor says

Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Janice Hahn said that Saturday night’s shooting in Monterey, California, was the worst mass shooting in LA County history.

“Los Angeles County is in mourning,” Hahn said at a news conference on Monday.

Jan 23, 6:45 PM EST
Monterey Park suspect had criminal history, was making homemade firearm suppressors: Police

The suspected gunman in the Monterey Park, California, shooting that left 11 people dead had a limited criminal history, police said at a news conference on Monday.
Huu Can Tran, 72, was arrested in 1990 for unlawful possession of a firearm, according to officials.
Law enforcement officials served a search warrant at the suspect’s home and recovered a .308 caliber rifle and numerous electronic devices, police said.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, the suspect manufactured homemade firearm suppressors.

-ABC News’ Matthew Fuhrman

Jan 23, 5:53 PM EST
2 more victims identified

The LA County Coroner’s office released the names of two more victims from this weekend’s mass shooting.
Xiujuan Yu, 57, and Valentino Alvero, 68, were among the 11 victims, the coroner’s said Monday afternoon.
The 11th victim who died at the hospital on Monday was also described as a woman in her 70s.

-ABC News’ Alex Stone

Jan 23, 4:13 PM EST

Gov. Newsom laments ‘rinse and repeat’ of mass shootings

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday lamented the “rinse and repeat” motions of the U.S. between mass shootings, during which the nation mourns but doesn’t make changes.

Newsom called large-capacity magazines “weapons of pure, mass destruction,” and said it’s “disgraceful” that the U.S. does not address it.

“The No. 1 killer of our kids last year was guns. The hell’s wrong with us?” Newsom told reporters Monday.

Americans should have the “freedom to walk the damn streets without being fearful,” he said.

The governor said he didn’t hold a news conference on the Monterey Park shooting on Sunday because “I can’t do those again … saying the same thing over and over again. I mean, it’s insane.”

-ABC News’ Matt Fuhrman

Jan 23, 4:00 PM EST

Man injured in massacre recounts the horror

Heong Bang, a man in his 60s who was injured in the mass shooting, told ABC News he heard what he thought was celebratory Lunar New Year fireworks, then suddenly felt pain his leg.

He said he looked around and saw fellow dancers on the ground covered in blood.

Monterey Park Mayor Henry Lo prays as members of the community hold a prayer vigil in…

Bang was taken to the hospital with a leg injury. Bullet pieces were recovered from his leg; he said he gave the fragments to police.

Bang said he never thought this could happen. He said he’ll never step foot in a dance studio again.

-ABC News’ Reena Roy

Jan 23, 2:53 PM EST

11th victim dies

One of the victims hospitalized after the Monterey Park mass shooting has died, bringing the death toll to 11, hospital officials said Monday.

The LAC+USC Medical Center said it still has three patients from the shooting: one in serious condition and two who are “are recovering.”

Jan 23, 1:12 PM EST
Suspect ‘distrusted everyone,’ acquaintance says

The mass shooting suspect, 72-year-old Huu Can Tran, filed for divorce from his then-wife in 2005, according to court filings. The judge approved the divorce in 2006.

It appears he worked as a professional trucker for at least 20 years. He was the chief executive officer of a San Gabriel-based business called Tran’s Trucking Inc., established in 2002 and dissolved in 2004, according to incorporation filings.

Tran was found dead on Sunday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a van in Torrance, about 30 miles southwest of Monterey Park, according to police. No motive for the massacre has been determined. According to law enforcement sources, Tran had no known criminal history.

Tran’s former tenant and longtime acquaintance, who wished to remain unnamed, told ABC News that the suspect was a regular at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio, where the massacre unfolded, and Lai Lai Ballroom and Studio, where Tran entered with a gun later that night and was disarmed by a good Samaritan.

He told ABC News that Tran liked to dance but that he didn’t have many friends at either of the dance studios.

He said Tran “distrusted everyone.”

He added, “I wouldn’t say he was aggressive, but he just couldn’t get along well with people.”

He said Tran spent his nights mainly alone, but would offer women free lessons in the dance studio. He said that upset the owner and staff instructors, who made their living on paid lessons.

“I think there was tension between Tran and those instructors,” he said.

In 2015, the former tenant filed a small claims case against Tran, claiming Tran owed $750 to him, court records show. He explained that he filed the lawsuit because Tran had refused to pay him his security deposit. He told ABC News that he did not serve Tran in the suit, but he did serve his co-owner of the property, Janine Liu. ABC News reached out to Liu but has not heard back.

Jan 23, 12:31 PM EST
Devastated family of 65-year-old victim speaks out

Mymy Nhan, a 65-year-old woman killed in the Monterey Park dance studio mass shooting, “spent so many years” going there to dance on weekends, her family said.

“It’s what she loved to do,” the family said.

“We are starting the Lunar New Year broken. We never imagined her life would end so suddenly,” her family said. “Her warm smile and kindness was contagious. She was a loving aunt, sister, daughter and friend. Mymy was our biggest cheerleader.”

Jan 23, 11:30 AM EST
Rep. Chu’s message to community: Go to Lunar New Year celebrations

Rep. Judy Chu, a Democratic congresswoman who represents Monterey Park, told ABC News’ GMA3 that she wants to know the gunman’s motive for Saturday night’s massacre that claimed 10 lives.

“For him to do this right after we had our opening celebration of Lunar New Year was just horrific. There were thousands of people that were only one block away celebrating this very, very important holiday,” she said. “It was a joyous time that immediately turned to tragedy.”

Chu said the community is “beginning the healing process.”

“It’s been a horrific 24 hours. People were so fearful and anxious about an active shooter being out there in the community,” she said.

The suspect was found dead on Sunday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a van in Torrance, about 30 miles southwest of Monterey Park, according to police.

“My message to the community is: you are safe,” Chu said. “And it’s so important for people to heal and to go to the Lunar New Year celebrations that they have been looking forward to all year long.”

Chu added, “The feelings of Asian Americans are very raw right now because we’ve just come from three years of anti-Asian hate due to COVID.”

“In fact, the reason that everybody was so enthusiastic about this Lunar New Year is that it was on hiatus for three years due to COVID. This was the first time it was being done in three years where everybody was together and in person,” she said. “So it should have been a wonderful time for our community.”

Jan 23, 10:53 AM EST
Ten slain victims all in their 50s, 60s or 70s

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has released the names of two women killed in the mass shooting: 65-year-old My Nhan and 63-year-old Lilan Li.

The names of the other eight people killed have not yet been released. The coroner’s office has only identified them as a woman in her 50s; two women in their 60s; two men in their 60s; and three men in their 70s.

Jan 23, 9:51 AM EST
Governor visits Monterey Park

California Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted photos of his Sunday visit to Monterey Park.

He said he met with “leaders and those impacted by this terrible tragedy” and called their strength “incredible.”

“No other country in the world is terrorized by this constant stream of gun violence,” the Democratic governor tweeted. “We need real gun reform at a national level.”

Jan 23, 8:42 AM EST
Suspect had no documented criminal history

Authorities have found no criminal history for the suspect in the Monterey Park mass shooting, ABC News has learned.

Investigators are still looking into a possible motive, including domestic violence.

-ABC News’ Josh Margolin and Alex Stone

Jan 23, 7:36 AM EST
‘Something came over me,’ says man who disarmed shooter

The man who disarmed the Monterey Park mass shooter recalled how “something came over me” during an interview Monday on ABC News’ “Good Morning America.”

“I realized I needed to get the weapon away from him,” Brandon Tsay said. “I needed to take this weapon, disarm him or else everybody would have died.”

Jan 23, 7:01 AM EST
Dance studio releases statement

The dance studio in Monterey Park where Saturday’s mass shooting took place has released a statement.

“What should have been a festive night to welcome the first day of the Lunar New Year turned into a tragedy. Our heart goes out to all the victims, survivors, and their families,” Star Dance Studio said in a Facebook post late Sunday. “In this time of healing, we hope that all those who were affected have the space to grieve and process what transpired within the last 24 hours. In the meantime, all classes will be canceled and studio will be closed until further notice.”

Jan 23, 5:31 AM EST
Survivor says longtime dance partner was among those killed

Shally was dancing the jive with her longtime dance partner on Saturday night when a gunman entered the studio and opened fire.

“We go to hide under the table,” Shally, who only provided her first name, recalled during an interview with Los Angeles ABC station KABC. “I think [my partner] had got shot already but not realized yet.”

Shally said she saw the gunman leave to get more bullets. When he returned, he reloaded the gun and opened fire again, she said.

“I said, ‘Lie down.’ We all lied down,” Sally told KABC.

Shally said the shooter then fled the scene and she turned to her partner, who she realized was unconscious. She tried to wake him but then saw her hands were covered in blood, she said.

“I thought I got shot too,” she told KABC.

Shally said she then realized that her partner had been shot in the back and the blood on her hands was his, from when they were holding each other in fear while hiding under the table.

“‘Wake up, wake up,'” she recalled telling her partner. “He was dead.”

Shally, who did not want to share the name of her dance partner, said he was a good friend and that they had danced together every week for about 10 years. She described him as a 62-year-old Asian man who didn’t have any family and said he was also friends with her husband, whom she married a couple years ago.

“He’s a nice guy,” she told KABC of her dance partner. “We love to dance.”

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