Monterey Park Tragedy

To: The Caltech Community
From: Thomas F. Rosenbaum, Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and Professor of Physics

The celebration of the Lunar New Year, a time for gathering and celebration by the Asian community and a wide circle of friends, has been horribly altered by last night's mass shooting at a dance club in Monterey Park. I write to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to all those at Caltech who are directly or indirectly impacted by this devastating event. The shooting, one of the worst mass shootings in recent history in California, is painfully close to our campus and to our community. 

While we wait to learn more about the victims and what may have led to this tragedy, I wish to remind you all that as a community we are here to support and care for one another. Leaders across the campus, in Student Affairs and in Human Resources, have reached out directly to those who may reside in or have family residing in or near Monterey Park to provide resources where possible. I encourage those who may need support to connect with professionals in Student Wellness Services and the Staff and Faculty Consultation Center. 

The Center for Inclusion and Diversity, together with these offices, will be providing processing spaces for members of the Institute community to gather at 4 p.m. Monday in CCID's offices in the Center for Student Services. Additional planned events or activities will be shared via Ion Caltech/Ion Caltech for Students and internal email communications in the days that follow.

Mass shootings have become a frighteningly common occurrence in America. Their effects are amplified when they hit so close to home. Please take care of yourself, and reach out where needed to your colleagues, family, and friends.