On January 21, 2023, Valentino Marcos Alvero, a 68-year-old Filipino-American resident of Monterey Park, California, was among the 11 victims fatally shot at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio during a Lunar New Year celebration. Alvero was a U.S. citizen who had been working as a hospitality worker in the United States. His family described him as a loving father, dedicated son and brother, and a grandfather who cherished his three granddaughters.
They fondly remembered him as the "life of any party," highlighting his love for ballroom dancing and his vibrant presence in the community.
The assailant, identified as 72-year-old Huu Can Tran, entered the dance studio around 10:22 p.m. and opened fire, killing ten individuals at the scene. Alvero was among those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. Following the attack, Tran fled the scene and attempted to carry out a second shooting at the Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio in Alhambra. However, he was disarmed by 26-year-old Brandon Tsay, who bravely intervened, preventing further casualties. The following day, Tran was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a white cargo van in a Torrance strip mall parking lot, ending the manhunt.
The Monterey Park shooting was a devastating event that deeply affected the local community and beyond. Alvero's family expressed their grief and frustration, becoming "unwilling members of a community who have to mourn the loss of our loved ones due to gun violence." They called for an end to mass shootings and requested prayers for Alvero's soul, emphasizing his devout Catholic faith and the family's desire for him to receive last rites.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles expressed its shock and offered assistance to Alvero's family. The consulate's statement highlighted the sorrow of losing a member of the Filipino community and extended condolences to all the victims' families.
The incident underscored the vulnerability of communities during celebratory events and the profound impact of gun violence. Alvero's family, along with the broader community, continues to mourn his loss, remembering him as a man who brought joy and warmth to those around him.
