NEWS EDITOR – ASHTON JEFFERS
ORIGINALLY PRINTED ON MARCH 2, 2023
Late Jan. and Feb. 2023 have seen devastating news with recent mass shootings in the United States. On Jan. 21, a gunman attacked the Star Ballroom Dance Studio during celebrations that weekend of the Lunar New Year. The 11 victims were regular studio patrons. The studio was a staple to the Monterey Park community, a common gathering place for residents interested in dance, and a space frequented by the Asian population of Los Angeles, California. Law enforcement has yet to determine the suspect’s motives. Still, the pain of a community coming together after a celebration, welcoming the new year and new things to come, dampens spirits. The event shocked the community and the nation as a whole.
Weeks later, a report came out about another shooting, a tragedy occurring on campus at Michigan State University. On Monday, Feb. 13, a gunman came to Michigan State’s campus and opened fire on classrooms, resulting in three deceased victims and five critically injured. According to The State News: Berkey Hall, where the shooting began, and the MSU Union, the campus common area and gathering space
were closed to students for the remainder of the spring semester. The university canceled classes for the rest of the week, but the hurt, confusion and frustration still permeate the campus. There have been instances of healing, where students, faculty, staff and alumni come together in this time of need to offer support and comfort.
St. Mary’s University organizations sent their regards and prayers to Michigan State; the Sr. Mary’s University Wellness Center offering services for students who need someone to turn to in these challenging times. Other student organizations acknowledged the incident, sharing support and resources for mental health and self- care. Members of the news and radio staff at Michigan State reached out to the Rattler, inviting them to fill out a Google Form and send words of encouragement and support to those who worked at the radio station.
In these times, creating community and further discussion of these situations is crucial for allowing individuals to start the healing process and instigate change. Universities sent messages of support to the radio station, which were printed out and placed throughout the station. The station at Michigan State was overwhelmed with messages of support for students, faculty and staff.
Unfortunately, this was not the last instance of gun violence in This month. Two days later, another shooting occurred in El Paso, Texas, Feb. 15, at the Cielo Vista Mall. One person got shot and died, while three others were injured. There appears to be no known motive from the assailant. The FBI has been working alongside the El Paso police with an investigation into the matter. The El Paso community experienced a mass shooting at a Walmart that was across Cielo Vista Mall’s shopping center in 2019. The attack was deemed an act of racial prejudice targeting the Hispanic population in El Paso. Over the years, the number of crimes involving gun violence has increased in Texas. Multiple communities and individuals are mourning the loss of family and friends. These events remind our communities that this is a prevailing issue in our nation.
Hopefully, support for the victims of these incidents will continue to grow in 2023. If in need of a safe space to discuss these particular topics, students are encouraged to set up an appointment by calling 210-438-6411 or filling out an online form via the St. Mary’s University webpage for the Family Life Center.