More than 300 people gathered Thursday night for a vigil at Fairview High School in south Boulder to ask for gun reform and to pay their respects to the 10 people killed Monday at a Kings Soopers nearly two miles north.
Survivors of mass shooting know it could have been them
The vigil was organized by Moms Demand Action — Colorado and seven speakers, ranging from former Fairview students to U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, addressed the crowd as it huddled together in winter apparel carrying flowers and candles.
"We mourn the lives lost and we grieve and then we take action, and we tried our best to prevent another lost," said Nicole, who described herself as the local leader of Mom's Demand Action Boulder to the crowd.
"We have come together and invited you here because this is how we heal. We gather, we grieve and when are feeling bold, we act."
Nichole, like some speakers, did not give her last name.
Neguse, Boulder's congressman, addressed crowd and called for the end of gun violence in the United States.
Officer Talley's handcuffs used to arrest Boulder shooting suspect
"I know the (pain) we are carrying here in Boulder is not alone, but a nation that has witnessed the horrific pain of gun violence too many times," Neguse said. "What pained me the most is that it doesn't have to be this way ... It does not have to be this way."
Others like Christina, a mother, teacher and member of MDA, said anyone could have been a victim during Monday's shooting. She thanked King Soopers worker Teri Leiker, who was one of the 10 victims.
"The first time I shopped at King Soopers was with a newborn, a two year old and four year old, and employees like Teri and her husband would give my kids pennies and make them laugh and help me outside, and help keep me sane when I felt my kids were running crazy everywhere," she said. One of her daughters ran on stage and grasped her by the leg.
"My heart aches for those families whose loved ones had their lives (taken far too soon)."
Rabbi Fred Greene asked the crowd and those watching on the livestream to not blame the Muslim community or those suffering from mental illnesses.
"Stand with our Muslim neighbors who are already being blamed for one man's heinous acts," Greene said. "Let's (also) not put blame on folks with mental illness."
In recent days, the Islamic Center of Boulder, one of the city's largest mosques, rallied its members to create a "Muslims unite for Boulder families" fund to support the 10 families who lost a loved one.
Boulder mosque launches national victims' family fund
As of Thursday evening the fund has raised over $18,000.
But as members of the community gathered together on Thursday night and as the wind nearly blew down a "Boulder Strong" sign behind the speakers' podium, Nicole said this tragic event will make the community stronger.
"Through this act we become less weak and we become Boulder Strong."
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Hundreds gather at local high school to call for end of gun violence, honor 10 killed on Monday - Colorado Springs Gazette
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