A Monterey Park shooting timeline, told by emergency dispatchers

Two armed officers stand in Monterey Park in front of banners celebrating Lunar New Year.

National Correspondent

Jan. 22, 2023 6:41 PM PT

Just before 10:30 p.m., the 911 call came in.

It would be the beginning of a devastating night, as Californians learned the gruesome details of a mass shooting in Monterey Park that killed 10 people — one of the deadliest acts of violence in the nation in recent years.

Police said Sunday afternoon that a suspect was dead after authorities surrounded and breached a white van in Torrance that they said was linked to the shooting. They said the man, 72-year-old Hemet resident Huu Can Tran, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators said they are still piecing together details of the evening, including a potential motive for the shooting, which took place shortly after Lunar New Year celebrations in Monterey Park.

The Times reviewed emergency dispatch recordings, which give key details on how police, fire and rescue workers responded Saturday evening and what they found.

The audio files are from Broadcastify.com, a popular website that displays and logs public radio chatter that’s used by emergency officials across the country. The time stamps used are estimates.

10:29 p.m.: “Gunshot victims... Stage at Newmark and Ramona”

A dispatcher calls out that there has been a shooting near W. Newmark and S. Ramona Ave in Monterey Park and tells first responders to set up there.

That’s two blocks south of the Star Dance Studio, which is at 122 W. Garvey Ave.

10:33 p.m.: “Stage at Ramona and Garvey. Enter from the west ... All units ... clear to enter”

The staging area is shifted closer to the studio as more details become clear. Police and rescue units continue to arrive.

Police cars surround a white van in a parking lot near the Del Amo mall.

10:38 p.m.: Details emerge on the human toll

A man on the scene describes victims who are in the parking lot and says the scene inside the studio has been “cleared.” He says people going inside the studio will relay back more information on the victims.

The update they soon pass along is bleak.

A different man says there are “10 unresponsive inside and you have 2 that are still in critical condition — breathing. Total of 12.”

10:39 p.m.: The victim count quickly grows

“At this time, our number is 16. Four in the lot. Twelve inside the occupancy.”

10:40 p.m.: A “mass casualty incident”

An “MCI,” or “mass casualty incident” is declared as it becomes apparent that there was a mass shooting.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna answers questions about the mass shooting in Monterey Park.

10:41 p.m.: “Litter team”

There’s a call for transport to take away the dead and living. There at at least two fire engines and four ambulances on the scene before more are ordered.

10:45 p.m.: “Additional units requested. Multiple victims. Gunshot wounds.”

The extent of the deaths and injuries is coming into view.

“We’re at 17 right now,” a man says of the victims. “I think you got the (number of) deceased.”

There are five victims outside and 10 who are dead inside the studio. At least two people inside are in critical condition.

11:02 p.m.: “Basic life support” is requested

Response units from several municipalities, including Monterey Park and the city of Los Angeles, are hurrying to the shooting.

“BLS,” shorthand for “basic life support” units, are requested because of the critical condition of several victims.

Victims are transported to several hospitals, including Huntington Hospital in Pasadena and Garfield Medical Center in Monterey Park.

In addition to those who died, officials said at least 10 additional people were injured at the dance studio. At a Sunday evening news conference, Los Angeles County Sheriff Capt. Robert Luna said seven victims remain in hospitals.

Times staff writer Paige St. John and audio producer David Toledo contributed to this report.

What to know about mass shootings

FAQ

UPDATED Jan. 22, 2023 | 12:44 AM

How do we define a mass shooting?

Mass shootings are defined as a shooting with four or more people killed — not including the shooter — in a public location with firearms, as defined by the Congressional Research Service.

Are mass shootings related to mental illness?

Most people who have and live with a mental illness are nonviolent. Most shooters experienced early childhood trauma and exposure to violence at a young age, and most shooters have studied the actions of other shooters and sought validation for their motives. According to the Violence Project — a nonprofit, nonpartisan research center dedicated to reducing violence in society — the role of serious mental illness in mass shootings is complex. The project reports that more than 80% of mass shooters were in a notable crisis prior to the shooting. Psychosis played no role for nearly 70% of mass shooters, according to the report.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, seek help from a professional and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255). Text “HOME” to 741741 in the U.S. and Canada to reach the Crisis Text Line.

Are mass shootings becoming more deadly and more common?

Yes, mass shootings have been getting more deadly over the decades. James Densley and Jillian Peterson, who run the Violence Project and have studied every public mass shooting since 1966, write that more than half of the shootings have occurred since 2000 and 33% since 2010. They write that for decades, the toll of mass shootings has risen steadily. During the 1970s, mass shootings claimed an average of 5.7 lives per year. In 2019, the average figure was 51 deaths per year . In 2020, mass shootings were far less frequent during the COVID-19 pandemic, as schools, offices and churches shut down. Now they’re ticking back up.

What is the contagion effect?

Most shooters have studied the actions of other shooters and want validation for their motives, according to James Densley and Jillian Peterson of the Violence Project. That’s why mass shootings can come in clusters and can be socially contagious, a phenomenon called the contagion effect. Research also shows how media reports on mass shootings can play a role in the contagion effect or copycat incidents, according to Dr. Dan Reidenberg from Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) at a Poynter seminar on mass shootings. Responsible and helpful reporting can inform and educate the public and possibly reduce the risk of violence, according to the seminar.

How can you talk to your child about mass shootings?

Check in with your child and talk to them about their concerns. Reassure them that they are safe (which is good advice for all trauma survivors). Tailor conversations and topics to what’s appropriate for your child’s age. Limit their exposure to media coverage of shootings. Maintain routines and model healthy behavior as parents. Have a plan with your children in case of an emergency. Also, watch for changes in their behavior, sleep, mood and appetite. Every child responds to trauma differently and can show signs of stress at different times, according to the American Psychological Assn.

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