EQUALITY & DIVERSITY

Utahns react to mass shooting in California near Lunar New Year festival

Jan 22, 2023, 10:29 PM | Updated: May 21, 2023, 4:28 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s Asian American community and elected officials are responding to the shooting that killed ten people in California near the 2023 Lunar New Year festival.

Gov. Spencer Cox tweeted that Utah is mourning and praying for the victims.

State Sen. Karen Kwan wrote that she’s “entirely heartbroken and here to stand with friends, loved ones, and fellow community members who are feeling a weight of hopelessness and distress. Here in Utah, we have a vibrant and diverse Asian American community, and we must come together and support one another.”

Anda Xie, a West High School student who volunteers for the Utah Chinese Association, said he was feeding his pet rabbit and preparing to make some traditional foods with his family when he got the news.

“My immediate reaction was not the sorrow for the loss of life or the anger at how a nation that could put men on the moon was plagued by killings amongst ourselves, but rather a numbness,” Xie said.

He said the numbness stems from the frequency of mass shootings in the United States. He described a mix of emotions in Utah’s Asian American community, especially disappointment.

“I’ve also heard some fear in and of itself,” Xie expressed. “I mean, such a desensitized shooting in such a special time seems almost sacrilegious if you look at it.”

Even so, he emphasized that Lunar New Year is about harmony and unity, calling it a holiday for all. He hopes that’s not forgotten as people process the mass shooting.

KSL 5 TV Live

Equality & Diversity

Jani Iwamoto talks to KSL TV about the potential changes to Salt Lake City's Japantown. (Greg Ander...

Lindsay Aerts

Japantown advocates push for preservation of downtown street amid NHL stadium plans

A little-known but impactful section of Salt Lake City's downtown is soon to be at the center of a new vision for the city.

9 days ago

FILE - An attendee holds up flags during the New York City Pride Parade, June 24, 2018, in New York...

Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press

A Japanese court says denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional

A Japanese high court has ruled that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and called for urgent government action to address the lack of any law allowing for such unions.

14 days ago

Lauren Rives, a senior at the University of Utah, speaks at a demonstration against HB261 at the U....

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com

University of Utah highlights positive impacts of equity, diversity and inclusion programs

The University of Utah has produced a new 'scorecard' highlighting the positive impacts of equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives that face revamping due to new state legislation.

1 month ago

The parents of a female student athlete are speaking out, calling for school board member Natalie C...

Shelby Lofton

Parents of female student-athlete at the center of controversy call on school board member to resign

The parents of a female student-athlete are calling on board member Natalie Cline to resign after she posted insinuating their daughter was a boy, yielding hateful comments.

2 months ago

Study results shown in an image that was given to participants. A heat map shows participant select...

Mary Culbertson

Is it really different for women walking at night than men? This study has new evidence

A new BYU study shows visual evidence that walking at night is a different experience for men and women.

2 months ago

FILE - The Utah Capitol is shown on March 3, 2023. Utah lawmakers have just five days left to pass ...

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com

Utah House OKs bill prohibiting employers from imposing racial beliefs on workers

A measure that would prohibit employers from requiring employees to ascribe to certain beliefs related to race, color, sex or national origin has passed the Utah House.

2 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utahns react to mass shooting in California near Lunar New Year festival