LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Wednesday marks eight years for the reason that 1 October assault. On that evening, a gunman opened hearth on the Route 91 Harvest Music Competition, killing 58 folks and injuring tons of extra. On Sunday morning, the group got here collectively as soon as once more in assist of the victims, survivors, and first responders.
“As you can see, there’s a probably a couple thousand people here supporting and honoring the victims,” Lt. Ryan Willman with UNLV’s College Police Division mentioned.
>>Extra: Remembering 1 October
A sea of black and yellow flooded the streets of downtown Las Vegas. Many runners carried the names of these misplaced.
“When we chose the name, we looked them up to find out who are we supporting. It brought tears to my eyes,” Las Vegas resident Dana Gutierrez mentioned.
She selected to honor Carrie Barnette – a 34-year-old Disney worker from California. She was shot as soon as within the chest with a pal by her facet. Her husband, Carlos Gutierrez, ran for Jordan McIldoon, a Canadian, simply days away from his twenty fourth birthday. He died within the arms of first responders as his girlfriend was pulled to security.
Remembering their tales introduced again the ache and heartbreak of that day.
“Just sadness and loss and heartbreak,” Dana Gutierrez mentioned.
“It caused a lot of fear. I had to sit down. I started crying because I realized it was really a horrible, horrible thing to happen not only our residents but people that are visiting us,” Carlos Gutierrez mentioned whereas combating again tears.
Las Vegas exhibit honoring 1 October taking pictures victims opens to public
Amanda Roswell attended the remembrance operating occasion along with her daughter, Emma.
“The factor that’s been essentially the most impactful is that individuals are attempting to exit and be part of the group and being confronted with the chance that issues wouldn’t be protected is devastating,” she mentioned.
However via grief, one message rises above.
“The 1 October event doesn’t define Las Vegas,” Willman mentioned. “What defines Las Vegas is our ability to be resilient, to move on, to honor the victims, but to be strong and move forward.”
“We love Vegas!” mentioned Amanda and Emma Roswell.
On Wednesday, Clark County will host its annual 1 October Dawn Remembrance Ceremony at 7:30 a.m. on the amphitheater in downtown Las Vegas. Later that night, the town of Las Vegas may also maintain its annual remembrance ceremony at 10:05 p.m. on the Therapeutic Backyard.
Sponsors of Sunday’s race embody 8 Information Now, Sanderson Plumbing, Rachel’s Kitchen, Plus Credit score Union, Smashed Bean and extra.
