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Monterey Park Massacre: How HEROES prevented Huu Can Tran from killing more at Alhambra

After leaving the shooting scene in Monterey Park, the suspect arrived at the Lai Lai Ballroom and Studio in Alhambra about 20 to 30 minutes later

ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA: The Monterey Park mass shoot on Saturday, January 21, rippled the Chinese New Year celebrations as it left five women and five men dead, and wounded 10 others at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio. But it could have been worse if two brave community members wouldn’t have had disarmed the 72-year-old suspect, Huu Can Tran.

According to USA Today, after leaving the shooting scene in Monterey Park, police say the suspect arrived at the Lai Lai Ballroom and Studio in Alhambra, California, about 20 to 30 minutes later. But two individuals at Lai Lai wrestled the firearm from the suspect, and he fled in a white van, where the suspect was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said, "The suspect walked in there, probably with the intent to kill more people, and two brave community members decided they were going to jump into action and disarm him. He was disarmed by two community members who I consider heroes because they saved lives. This could have been much worse." And further added that police discovered a "magazine-fed semiautomatic assault pistol with an attached large-capacity magazine at the Alhambra studio."

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The Alhambra ballroom was closed on Sunday, January 22, in light of the Monterey Park massacre, according to a Facebook post that read, "In observance of the tragedy at Star Dance last night, Lai Lai Ballroom will be closed today. Tea and night dances are suspended until further notice. Lai Lai will reopen Monday for lessons only. As an extra precaution, All students and teachers are subject to search prior to entering the studio. Our prayers go out to all the victims families."

The city of Alhambra praised the bravery of the two individuals via a press release that stated, "We send our thoughts and prayers to the victims. We thank the individuals who stepped up to help and prevent further injury. We also acknowledge those who stepped in here in Alhambra to disarm an individual threatening our own community."

Social media too applauded the bravery of two individuals, whose identities remain unknown. One of many called them "Heroes." One narrated by saying, "'The suspect went to the Alhambra location after he conducted the shooting (in Monterey Park), and he was disarmed by two community members who I consider to be heroes.' God bless them. God be with the families of those lost. God give strength to the wounded."

The appreciation continued to pour in with one writing, "Astonishing courage to do that." While a few slammed cops with an individual commenting, "Cops did literally nothing. We save one another." Another wrote, "Here we are again, citizens doing the job of the police. Thanks to all the brave people of Monterey Park! So sorry for the horrible shooting."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.