WASHINGTON — On Jan. 23,mary oliver and eroticism 2023, a gunman sought out and killed seven people and injured one at two farms in Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County.

The victims included five individuals of Chinese descent and two individuals of Mexican descent who were all immigrants and farmworkers.

Suspect Chunli Zhao, also a farmworker, was arraigned on seven counts of first-degree murder and one of attempted murder.

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena) and CAPAC member Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) issued the following statements on the first anniversary of the tragedy. 

Chu: “Today, we remember and mourn the seven innocent farmworkers who were targeted and murdered one year ago in Half Moon Bay. My thoughts continue to be with their families and loved ones, who are still recovering from this horrific tragedy. Senseless acts of gun violence have stolen far too many lives in this country and have resulted in immense grief, pain, and fear for our communities.

“As we reflect on this anniversary, we must all come together to honor the victims while recommitting ourselves to ending the scourge of gun violence in this country.”

Eshoo: “The hearts of the people in Half Moon Bay are heavy today as we commemorate that most tragic day on the Coastside, and the worst mass shooting in the county’s history. As we mourn the loss of seven farmworkers, Congress must finally reverse its inaction on gun violence prevention legislation that could save lives in communities across the country.

“The deaths of more than 40,000 people by guns every year is simply unacceptable and a scourge on our society.”