Community comes together to honor lives lost from recent mass shootings

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.— Members of moms demand action and AAPI Solidarity Network hosted a vigil to create a safe space for people to grieve the victims of January’s mass shootings and to create a dialogue around gun safety.

The shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay sent a shock through the nation and left many in the Asian community scarred.

Sunday afternoon people gathered together to raise awareness about gun violence, but to also hold space to honor those who have lost their lives.

We spoke to Candy Ho and Derek Lee, who were at Monterey Park the day of the shooting.

“It really was rough for us… it took us quite a while even now talking about it i’m still shaking,” said Ho.

“Hearing what happened. And we started actually devising plans for next time for when the big area like exit routes right now. So we're really, really scared,” said Lee.

Activists say that although it's important to hold space for those grieving this significant loss, it's also important to take action.

“We need to work towards reducing the gun violence in America,” said Leana LeLevier-Joseph from Moms Demand Action.

Here is one solution that this mom is advocating for:

“Something as simple as having a gun lock and having laws that demand people to store there firearms away safely can save countless lives,” said Sarah Penna from Moms Demand Action.

Other activists pray for a day that mass shootings become a trend of the past.

“All of us wake up every morning and say ‘Wow. Another shooting. Another shooting. Another shooting,’” said activist Karena Jew.

Parents and kids alike say they just want to feel safe and secure.

“What if dropping them off to school could be the last time we see them? And this is a very mind blowing thought,” said Candy Ho.

“I hope we get a better world when we grow up,” says kid Jonah Penna

Activists say that although these mass shootings have been tragic and traumatic, they serve as a reminder to continue the conversation around gun safety in the country and in the county.