Brandon Tsay, the 26-year-old who made headlines for disarming the Monterey Park gunman last month, stood and waved to the crowd of lawmakers as President Biden labeled him a “hero” and called for new gun control measures in Tuesday night’s SOTU
last month, stood and waved to the crowd of lawmakers as President Biden labeled him a “hero” and called for new gun control measures in Tuesday night’s State of the Union address.
At one reception, in a banquet hall in the Rayburn House Office Building, he mustered a half-smile and occasionally fidgeted in a corner as lawmakers took turns extolling his bravery. Rep. Judy Chu, who had originally invited Tsay to the State of the Union before Biden jumped in, called him a “hero” while introducing him to a group of colleagues before reminding herself that he doesn’t like to use that word.
When Tsay took his turn — after a stream of politicians with prepared notes who thanked one another and promised legislative action on gun violence — he spoke haltingly and briefly, thanking Chu, a Democrat who represents Monterey Park, for her support to the community that suffered 11 deaths and nine injuries in the mass shooting.
The few dozen congressional staffers and activists in the room had already been offered tissues as they listened to Phun recount the impact on her family and challenge the country to “truly see us.” Some dabbed their faces again or held hands as Tsay talked about the fear he had as he grabbed the gunman’s weapon. He also spoke of the personal toll, volunteering that he had “gathered the strength to seek some emotional and therapeutic treatment.
“The fact that he was able to meet the president, he was excited about that,” Torres said. “But he knows at some point, he’s gonna have to think about all of it, right?” Tsay’s humility and vulnerability are among the reasons people have been drawn to him. He has promised to find ways to use his attention and the money people have given to him to help his community, while acknowledging it’s overwhelming. Chu said he is still in shock but accepting the new responsibility that has been thrust on him.
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