News from Austin, TX

Despite a sudden downpour that necessitated a move from the state capitol to a nearby Methodist church, about 50 people gathered for the Austin, Texas “Too Many Victims” candlelight vigil to pay tribute to those lost to or injured by gun violence. The diverse crowd offered a reminder that gun violence affects every type of person in every type of community. Young or old, no matter what race or gender, and despite the neighborhood we live in, gun violence touches us all. The speakers at the Austin vigil included a Methodist reverend, the Travis County Sheriff, a constable, a 27-year-old graduate student, a 40-something mother and a 21-year-old college student. All were united by one commonality; they want to see an end to the gun violence that takes our loved ones from us and strikes a pain so deep in the heart that we will never stop grieving.