LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — People in Lexington gathered Thursday to mourn victims of gun violence and to raise awareness about the need for action.
The candlelight vigil comes in the wake of deadly mass shootings in El Paso, Texas; Dayton, Ohio; and Gilroy, California that left dozens of people dead and many more wounded.
The shootings in Texas and Ohio happened last weekend, while the Gilroy shooting happened July 28 during an annual garlic festival.
The names of all the victims killed in those shootings were read aloud during the gathering.
But those in attendance also heard the names of people killed by gun violence in Lexington so far this year.
The local chapter of Moms Demand Action said the vigil was for them as well.
Kenya Ballard said she remembers the family members that she lost too soon.
"I lost my sister-in-law. She was 8 months pregnant with my nephew, on Sept. 7, 2016," she said. "And then i lost my granddaughter Nova, she was 2, and then my stepson was killed September 3rd of 2017."
Organizers say they hope the vigil will spark real changes.
