'Scourge of gun violence;' Local politicians react to Half Moon Bay mass shooting

HALF MOON BAY -- Federal, state and local politicians expressed their condolences for the victims of shootings in Half Moon Bay on Monday that killed seven people and wounded one.

California was still reeling from Saturday's mass shooting in Monterey Park in Southern California when the news of the tragedy in Half Moon Bay came out on Monday afternoon.

Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on Twitter at 4:15 p.m. about the shootings.

"At the hospital meeting with victims of a mass shooting when I get pulled away to be briefed about another shooting. This time in Half Moon Bay," Newsom wrote. "Tragedy upon tragedy."

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, said in a statement that gun violence "plagues" the nation.

"This incessant cycle must be broken for the sake of our children and grandchildren," Thompson said.

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors president Dave Pine spoke on behalf of the board.

"We are sickened by today's tragedy in Half Moon Bay," he said in a statement. "The scourge of gun violence has sadly hit home," adding that the "status quo cannot be tolerated."

Supervisor Ray Mueller said the board was working with the county to organize community mental health services and counseling in the wake of the shootings.

"This scourge of gun violence that, in recent days, has afflicted our state and our community must come to an end!" Mueller said.

U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, represents the congressional district that includes Half Moon Bay and expressed gratitude to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office for taking the suspect, Chunli Zhao, into custody.

"Half Moon Bay is a beloved and tight-knit community, and we all stand with them and the families of the victims during this dark hour," Eshoo said.

"My colleagues and I on the Half Moon Bay City Council are appalled and saddened at this terrible incident, which has completely shocked our community. Our deepest sympathies are with the families and individuals who have been devastated by this horrendous act. We share in their pain and know that our community members are also keeping the victims and their families in their hearts," said Mayor Deborah Penrose in a statement issued by the town. "Now more than ever it's important for the community to come together and be there for one another."  

San Francisco Supervisor Myrna Meigar also weighed in, writing on Twitter, "7 dead in another mass shooting. Half Moon Bay god dammit!!! What is it going to take America?"

Making reference to the Monterey Park shootings, President Joe Biden on Monday announced the introduction of an assault weapons and high-capacity magazine ban in the Senate, as well as raising the age to purchase them to 21.

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• Mass Shooting