President Joe Biden Visits San Gabriel Valley, Offering Support and Comfort

On March 14, 2023, President Biden spoke at a town hall-style meeting to acknowledge the impact of the Lunar New Year tragedy on the region’s local communities, including Alhambra, where the shooter was disarmed at the Lai Lai Ballroom. During his speech, President Biden expressed his respect for the cultural heritage, spirit, and strength that define the region.

President Biden emphasized the importance of community members supporting each other during a crisis and throughout recovery.

He said, “This is a tight-knit community with intergenerational households and deep reverence and respect for its elders. A community that’s opened its heart and its homes to friends and neighbors and stood strong throughout the pandemic as anti-Asian hate crimes rose. A community that, in the face of horrific tragedy, has become a symbol of hope and resilience. Pushing forward together, healing together.”

Along with his public appearance that day, President Biden met privately with victims’ families and local first responders. He and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden were greeted at the airport by local hero Brandon Tsay, who thwarted the gunman’s attack in Alhambra. Tsay had attended the 2023 State of the Union address as a guest of President Biden.

The President’s visit coincided with the announcement of an executive order that the President had signed earlier that day. The order includes provisions to increase background checks, encourage safer firearms storage, and strengthen the U.S. law enforcement component of a gun control law passed last summer with bipartisan support.