Guest Opinion | Brandon D. Lamar: 30 Years Later, 1993 Halloween Massacre

In the heart of Pasadena, California, the Halloween of 1993 was meant to be a night of laughter and innocent fun, but it instead turned into a nightmare that left scars on our community that have yet to fully heal. It has been thirty years since the tragic event that unfolded that fateful night, which we know as the 1993 Halloween Massacre still haunts victims’ families and the Pasadena community as a whole.

For me, and countless others, the pain of that night is etched forever in our hearts. My cousin, Edgar Evans, among those teens who lost their lives, was a vibrant soul, taken too soon by a senseless act of violence. Even though it’s been thirty years, his absence is still felt by members of my family every Halloween. 

The 1993 Halloween Massacre was an event that not only shocked Pasadena but also the nation. In a moment of madness, a group of known gang members targeted and opened fire on a group of innocent teens walking home from a party they attended earlier that night, leaving 3 dead and a few injured. The impact of that night rippled through the community, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors.

In the aftermath of such a horrific event, the resilience of the community was tested. Many sought to come to terms with the trauma and the loss we’ve experienced. Out of this darkness, a movement began to emerge, with many community leaders including my late grandmother Pastor Dorothy A Evans, a determination to tackle the pervasive issue of gun violence in our community. For my grandmother, and countless others affected by this tragedy, it became a personal mission to try to ensure that no one else would have to endure the pain and suffering we had experienced.

One of the most powerful drivers of why I’m committed to public safety in Pasadena is my family’s firsthand experience and understanding of the agony that follows such incidents. Being on the side of the victims and witnessing the devastation left in the wake of gun violence, we are all too familiar with the pain, grief, and trauma that the victims’ families endure, even 30 years later. Even in 2023, my heart aches for the families in our community who continue to lose loved ones. This empathy fuels my advocacy for the rights and support of victims of crimes because we know firsthand the toll it takes on individuals and communities.

Over the past three decades, the fight against gun violence has made significant strides, thanks to the tireless efforts of many dedicated individuals and organizations. But there is still much work to be done. Gun violence continues to plague not only our community but also our nation, and the 1993 Halloween Massacre is a stark reminder.

We must support and expand mental health services to address the root causes of violence and provide help to those in need. We must also work towards creating a culture of responsibility and empathy, where the value of human life is paramount. We must continue to support preventive efforts provided by the City of Pasadena Public Health Department, Contracted Violence Interrupters, Vision 20/20 Institute, Outward Bound Adventures, Pasadena Police Activity League, Parks and Recreation and so many other great individuals and organizations that are providing service to our community. 

Thirty years after the tragedy that struck Pasadena in 1993, we must rededicate ourselves to the cause of ending gun violence. My cousin’s memory, and the memories of all those other teens who were lost and injured that night, continue to be a driving force for change. I have a unique perspective and a responsibility to advocate for a safer and more compassionate society.

My heart is filled with determination. I will not rest until we can proudly say that the lessons learned from the 1993 Halloween Massacre until now and everything in between has led to a safer and more just society, where tragedies like this are a distant memory rather than a recurring nightmare. It is a solemn promise to those who cannot speak for themselves and a tribute to the resilience of a community that refuses to be defined solely by its pain but rather by its strength and determination to create a better future.

Brandon Donte Lamar is a longtime community organizer and native of Pasadena. He is currently a candidate for the Pasadena City Council District 3 and serves as the Vice-Chair of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board. He is also the former Chair of the Pasadena Human Relations Commission.