By Randall Yip, AsAmNews Executive Editor
Brandon Tsay needed no introduction to Congress.
The man who wrestled the gun from the Monterey Park shooter in California and no doubt saved countless lives sat in the Capitol as President Biden’s special guest.
Before the President could even finish his introduction, both sides of the aisle gave him a rousing standing ovation.
“Brandon put his college dreams on hold to be at his mom’s side when she was dying of cancer,” said Biden as Tsay waved to the Congresspeople below him.
“He saw a man standing there pointing a semi-automatic pistol at him. He thought he was going to die and he thought about people inside (his parents’ dance studio). In that instance, he found the courage to act and wrestle a semi-automatic pistol away from a gunman who already killed 11 people in (a different) dance studio. He saved lives.
“It’s time we do the same. Ban assault weapons now,” the President implored.
RELATED: Brandon Tsay describes confronting Monterey Park shooter “truly horrific.”
“Through his (Biden) recognition of Brandon Tsay’s heroism in the midst of danger and fear, he has uplifted our community and shown the country, and the world, that tragedy doesn’t define us,” said Erika L. Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to the President said in a statement emailed to AsAmNews. “The President reminded us all that America is a story of progress and resilience, that democracy and diversity make this possible. Together, we will be stronger as a community and country. Let’s finish the job—together.”
A recent poll by ABC News found support for gun control has dropped 9 points since 2019. 47 percent support a weapon ban. 51% oppose it.
Another survey shows gun ownership among Asian Americans continues to be on the upswing. The National Shooting Sports Foundation found more than 1 out of 4 firearm dealers report an increase in Asian American customers.
Despite that, support for gun control appears to be strong among Asian Americans.
A poll released in July by AAPI Data, APIA Vote and Asian Americans Advancing Justice found that 77 percent of those polled support stricter gun laws with 61 percent agreeing strongly.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc. Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our efforts to produce diverse content about the AAPI communities. We are supported in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.