Half Moon Bay mass shooting updates: Workplace violence believed to be motive

A 67-year-old suspect is in custody, authorities said.

Last Updated: January 24, 2023, 12:16 PM EST

Seven people were killed on Monday in a mass shooting at two locations in Half Moon Bay, California, authorities said.

One person was also taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

The suspect, 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, is in custody. Workplace violence is believed to be the motive, authorities said.

This is the state's second mass shooting in three days.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Jan 24, 2023, 8:15 AM EST

Biden calls for federal assault weapons ban after California mass shootings

President Joe Biden released a statement on Tuesday in the wake of the deadly mass shootings in Half Moon Bay and Monterey Park, California.

"Jill and I are praying for those killed and injured in the latest tragic shooting in Half Moon Bay, California," Biden said. "For the second time in recent days, California communities are mourning the loss of loved ones in a senseless act of gun violence."

"Following a briefing from my homeland security team, I have directed my administration to ensure local authorities and the broader Half Moon Bay community have the full support of the federal government in the wake of this heinous attack," the president added.

Police tape blocks off a crime scene near a shooting in Half Moon Bay, Calif., Jan. 23, 2023.
Nathan Frandino/Reuters

On Monday, two days after another deadly mass shooting in Monterey Park, Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Chris Murphy, D-Conn., reintroduced a federal ban on assault weapons as well as legislation that would raise the minimum purchase age to 21. In his statement on Tuesday, Biden said that while “we await further details on these shootings, we know the scourge of gun violence across America requires stronger action.”

"I once again urge both chambers of Congress to act quickly and deliver this Assault Weapons Ban to my desk, and take action to keep American communities, schools, workplaces, and homes safe," the president said.

Jan 24, 2023, 2:04 AM EST

Farm principal says alleged gunman unfamiliar

Aaron Tung, principal at Concord Farms, one of the locations where the shooting took place, said the company wanted to thank the community for the "outpouring of thoughts and support."

"We thank law enforcement for their swift response and actions. Concord Farms is a family owned and operated mushroom farm at this location for 37 years," he said in a statement.

A view of greenhouses at the scene of a shooting on Jan. 23, 2023 in Half Moon Bay, Calif.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Tung added, "With no past knowledge with this gunman or his motives, we are shook and very eager to gain more information from the authorities and their investigations. Our hearts are with the victims, their families and the Chinese American community—from Half Moon Bay to Monterey Park."

-ABC News' Abigail Shalawylo

Jan 23, 2023, 11:01 PM EST

Semi-automatic handgun found in suspect's car: Sheriff

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said a semi-automatic handgun was found in the suspect's car.

Law enforcement officials look into a vehicle parked in the area where a shooting suspect's vehicle was found Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, in Half Moon Bay, Calif.
Jeff Chiu/AP

The suspect, 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, is cooperating and being interviewed, the sheriff said.

Zhao is believed to have acted alone, Corpus said.

-ABC News' Marilyn Heck and Abigail Shalawylo

Jan 23, 2023, 10:53 PM EST

'Our hearts are broken': San Mateo County official

The gun violence in the U.S. is at "completely unacceptable levels," and it "really hit home tonight," San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Dave Pine said Monday. "Our hearts are broken."

"But in the end, there are simply too many guns in this country," Pine said. "And there has to be a change. This is not an acceptable way for modern society to live its conduct its affairs."

-ABC News' Marilyn Heck and Abigail Shalawylo