‘True courage’ honored as Monterey Park City Council shines light on the heroes of Jan. 21

A 26-year-old ballroom dance studio operator and the city’s first responders were praised as heroes in an emotional tribute by the Monterey Park City Council Wednesday night, Feb.15, in a city still trying to move on but also still reeling in the aftermath of a gunman’s Jan. 21 rampage that left 11 dead.

Inside the City Council chambers, the public and the council, along with elected representatives from various levels of government and surrounding cities, filled the room with an outpouring of appreciation in a community where just outside City Hall memorials still stand for the dead.

The focus was on the city’s fire and police personnel, and on Brandon Tsay. While working at his family’s Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio, Tsay disarmed the gunman who only minutes before opened fire inside of Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park.

“We sometimes lose sight of all of the quiet acts of courage that happen on a daily basis,” said the city’s Mayor Jose Sanchez, his voice pausing with emotion in the chamber. “Let us honor here tonight their acts of courage, not only because it allows us to live freely but because it is necessary for the survival of us as humans and our democratic institutions.”

#montereypark mayor, Jose Sanchez and city council thank Brandon Tsay and MP Police and Fire for their bravery on Jan. 21. pic.twitter.com/UsVH0uYHSK

— Georgia Valdes (they/them) (@ValdesGeorgia) February 16, 2023

The packed council chambers erupted in applause as Tsay received his honors from a city mindful that he likely saved many more lives by thwarting the shooter, wresting away his weapon and kicking him out.

“Courage, true courage, as Brandon showed us, derives from that sense of who we are and the belief that we can dig deep within our soul and do the hard things for the enduring benefit of others,” Sanchez said.