Dear UCSF Community,

On Saturday evening, at least 11 people were killed and nine more were wounded in a mass shooting at a dance ballroom in Monterey Park, a Southern California community with a sizeable Asian American population. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were killed or injured in yet another act of gun violence.

While much is not yet known, it appears that many of the victims were of Asian heritage in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, including the deceased gunman. This tragedy is compounded by the fact that it took place on the eve of Lunar New Year, which many in the Asian American Pacific Islander community celebrate. 

It is hard to make sense of the ongoing gun violence epidemic that has claimed the lives of so many people in our communities, including some of the most vulnerable such as the young and elderly. If you or someone you know could benefit from UCSF’s support services, please reach out to one of the following teams for assistance:

• Student Health and Counseling: (415) 476-1281
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program: (415) 476-8279

As more information about this tragic event becomes available, I encourage all of us in the UCSF community to look out for each other and provide comfort and support to those who need it.

Sincerely,

Sam Hawgood, MBBS
Chancellor
Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Distinguished Professor