Open Data Insight of the Day

Gun violence remains a profound and senseless tragedy that affects communities across the United States. Each incident leaves behind a trail of grief and loss, impacting families and neighborhoods in ways that are often difficult to articulate. This reminder serves to honor those who have suffered and to ensure that we do not forget the communities that have endured such devastating events.

On January 21, 2024, the 2024 Joliet shootings occurred in Joliet, Illinois. A gunman attacked three locations, resulting in eight deaths and one injury. The shooter, who was related to most of the victims, later died by suicide in Texas after a confrontation with law enforcement. This tragic event marked the deadliest mass shooting in Illinois history and the United States for that year, deeply affecting the Joliet community and raising ongoing concerns about gun violence.

The 2023 Monterey Park shooting took place on January 21, 2023, at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park, California, during a Lunar New Year Festival. The attack led to eleven deaths and nine injuries. The gunman attempted a second attack in nearby Alhambra but was disarmed by staff before fleeing. The suspect, 72-year-old Huu Can Tran, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a police standoff the next day. This incident is recorded as the deadliest mass shooting in Los Angeles County history.

These events remind us of the enduring impact of gun violence and the importance of remembering the lives lost and the communities affected. As we reflect on these tragedies, we are called to consider the steps necessary to prevent future occurrences and to support those who continue to live with the aftermath.