Philly holds vigil for Las Vegas shooting victims

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WTXF) - A vigil was held Tuesday in Center City after 59 people were killed and 527 were injured in the Las Vegas shooting.

"It's very personal," said Deborah Young as tears fell from her eyes while holding a sign with words of support for the families and victims in Vegas. But she's also thinking of someone close to her in Philadelphia who was shot in the head.

"There are people getting shot every day. It shouldn't be happening," she said. Deborah joined dozens on Thomas Paine Plaza in Center City Tuesday evening for a vigil. It's part of a national day of action called #SENDLOVETOVEGAS.

"It's horrific and sad that in this day and age you can go to a concert and be shot down," said Deborah.
CeaseFirePA organized the vigil. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Governor Tom Wolf along with Council President Darrell Clarke, Mayor Kenney and members of the faith community all attended.

"The value of human life is taken for granted and has been diminished," said a local Imam.

Tiara Parker was shot in Pulse Nightclub in Orlando last year. She spoke to the crowd about her pledge to fight gun violence and advocate for stricter gun laws.

"It starts with us first. It starts with getting guns off the streets first before anything else," she said. Tiara's cousin Akyra Murray was also shot at Pulse Nightclub and died. She is a big reason why Tiara is speaking out.

"My little cousin is definitely my guardian angel," she said.

The vigil opened and closed with prayer not just for victims in Vegas, but for the violence that happens every day in Philadelphia.

"Why should a child have to be outside playing and get shot? This is a norm and it shouldn't be that way," said Young.