Woom Sing Tse, a 71-year-old Asian male, was tragically killed on December 7, 2021, in Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood. Tse, a retired restaurateur, was walking to buy a newspaper around lunchtime when he was gunned down in a seemingly random attack. The incident occurred near John C. Haines Elementary School, where Tse was shot multiple times by a gunman who initially fired from a car and then continued shooting after exiting the vehicle.
Surveillance footage captured the brutal attack, showing the assailant firing at Tse even after he had fallen to the ground.
The suspect, 23-year-old Alphonso Joyner, was quickly apprehended by the Chicago Police Department, thanks to the swift response and cooperation of the Chinatown community, who provided crucial surveillance video. Joyner was charged with first-degree murder and denied bond. During the investigation, it was revealed that Joyner used a "ghost gun" with an extended magazine, firing more than 20 shots at Tse. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities have not determined whether it was a hate crime.
Woom Sing Tse's death sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a vigil where family, friends, and neighbors gathered to honor his memory. Tse, who immigrated from China decades ago, was remembered as a beloved grandfather of nine who cherished his community. His family expressed their grief and gratitude for the support they received, highlighting Tse's legacy as a hardworking individual who achieved the American dream through his dedication and perseverance. The tragic loss of Woom Sing Tse underscores the senseless violence that continues to plague communities and the importance of solidarity in the face of such adversity.
