On December 26th, 2002, Chau Vue and her family were attending the opening day of Fresno’s Hmong New Year festivities. Just outside the gate of the Fresno Fairgrounds, a Hmong gang member in his early twenties joined an argument with other gangsters that culminated in a thrown car club and soda can. Returning from his vehicle with a handgun, he opened fire on his rivals and innocent bystanders, and then fled with his accomplices. Four people were wounded, including Chau Vue, 89 at the time, and her 8-year-old great granddaughter. After a few days, the child and 2 other victims were released from their respective hospitals. Chau, hit in the abdomen, fared worse. The bullet had struck several of her major organs, and even her doctors felt little hope for a woman of her age that had undergone two previous surgeries that same year. With no shortage of family members at her bedside, Chau spent two months in ICU, and miraculously recuperated. The gunman was eventually caught and sentenced to 49 years in prison. At his sentencing, he feigned remorse to his English-speaking judge and jury. Using a Hmong prayer, the gangster invoked his ancestors to cause pain to those who witnessed against him. The families of the victims and those threatened, felt rage at the young man for his crimes and his arrogance. However, Chau felt sadness. When asked by a reporter for what she thought would be justice for the shooter, she humbly expressed that she was an old woman, near the end of her life. She saw a young man, just at the beginning of his, which must spend his most fruitful days in jail instead of enjoying an adulthood of love and family. Chau pitied him for the one mistake that will bring him endless suffering. Her wisdom in forgiveness taught her family the true futility of hurtful feelings like revenge
Story and Photos by Robert Kurtz
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