Statement by South Coast Chinese Cultural Center in Response to the Laguna Woods Church Shooting

May 20, 2022

The shooting occurred on May 15, 2022 afternoon at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, Orange County, is a very sad tragedy. The horrific incident of violence caused five people injured and one person dead.  The South Coast Chinese Cultural Center would like to offer our condolences to the victims and their families, as well as the church of which they are congregants. We are ready to provide support to the community during this healing process.

We strongly condemn the use of violence to address any concerns or issues. Violent attacks should receive serious consequences. The information revealed by the ongoing investigation has shown that this attack might be political in nature. We urge people to reflect on what one should do to stop violent acts when it comes to different political views.   
 
Being immigrants most of us are here by choice to chase the American dream: freedom, democracy and diversity.  Violence and hate have no place in our community.  We should look forward rather than backward.  Let's treat one another with compassion and respect in this great community where we call home. 

南海岸中華文化中心

關於橙縣拉古納伍茲教會槍擊事件的聲明

5/20/2022

2022 年 5 月15 日下午在橙縣拉古納伍茲的日內瓦長老教會所發生的槍擊事件，造成五人受傷，一人死亡，這是一場令人震驚和哀傷的悲劇。南海岸中華文化中心誠摯地向遇難者及其家屬、傷者，以及他們所屬教會表示哀悼，我們也準備好在這個療傷止痛的過程中提供所需支持，希望這種悲劇不再發生。

我們強烈譴責使用暴力表達任何意見或解決任何問題。任何暴力攻擊都應該被嚴肅對待，犯罪者應該受到嚴厲的制裁。這個案件執法單位目前仍在調查中，但部分證據顯示犯案動機有可能涉及某些政治因素。我們沉重地敦促人們反思，在涉及不同政治觀點時，我們可以做些什麼來制止或預防暴力行為的發生。
 
許多人都是出於個人意願做出移民的選擇，來到這裏追求美國夢: 自由、民主和多元文化 。不管從何處移民來美國，讓我們一起向前看而不是向後看，在這個我們稱之為家的美國社區中，彼此以愛、慈悲和尊重相待。