President Biden, Gov. Newsom react to mass shooting in Monterey Park

MONTEREY PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- President Joe Biden as well as local and state officials are reacting to the mass shooting in Monterey Park, offering sympathy to the victims and assistance as needed.

Biden was briefed on the shooting by his homeland security advisor, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. He directed the FBI to provide support to local authorities and keep him updated.

"Jill and I are praying for those killed and injured in last night's deadly mass shooting in Monterey Park," Biden tweeted. "I'm monitoring this situation closely as it develops, and urge the community to follow guidance from local officials and law enforcement in the hours ahead."

Biden also said he's directed his Homeland Security Advisor to "mobilize full federal support to local and state authorities as they continue to respond and investigate this shooting."

As we await more crucial information from law enforcement, I want to assure the community of Monterey Park and the broader area that we will support you in every way we can," read the statement.

Gov. Gavin Newsom also issued a statement via Twitter:

"Monterey Park should have had a night of joyful celebration of the Lunar New Year," Newsom said. "Instead, they were the victims of a horrific and heartless act of gun violence. Our hearts mourn as we learn more about the devastating acts of last night. We are monitoring the situation closely."

Newsom tweeted he went to Monterey Park and met with local leaders and those impacted by the shooting.

"The strength of this community is incredible," he tweeted.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass offered her sympathy to residents of her neighboring community.

"The reports coming out of Monterey Park are absolutely devastating," Bass tweeted. "Families deserve to celebrate the holidays in peace - mass shootings and gun violence are a plague on our communities.

As investigations determine where these murders were motivated by Asian hate, we continue to stand united against all attempts to divide us. My heart goes out to Monterey Park and the families and friends of those lost."

Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez said he is praying for the victims of the shooting.

"We pray for those killed and injured in this shooting, we ask that God stay close to their families and loved ones. We pray for the wounded to be healed, and we ask that God give strength and guidance to the doctors and nurses who are caring for them," Gomez said.

We ask that God grant wisdom and prudence to law enforcement and public officials working to make sense of the violence and keep our communities safe.

And we pray for peace. Peace in the hearts of those who are troubled. Peace in the hearts of those who are afraid and hurting today, and peace for those whose faith has been shaken."

Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said the LAPD is adding patrols in Asian communities across the city and meeting with organizers of New Year celebrations.

"Such a tragic loss of life and a dark day," Moore said.

For actor Sherry Cola, the mass shooting in her hometown of Monterey Park, left her devastated ahead of the premiere of the new film "Shortcomings" at the Sundance Film Festival.

"I definitely cried myself to sleep, to be honest, because this is Monterey Park, California, like where I grew up, the 626, San Gabriel Valley," Cola said. "This is where my Buddhist temple is, you know? Like all my friends I grew up with they were born in Monterey Park. It's this hometown that I'm so proud to call my hometown."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.