The city of El Paso, Texas spent the day grieving and paying respects to the victims killed in a mass shooting Saturday.
Multiple vigils were held in the city, honoring the 20 people who lost their lives after a gunman opened fire at a Walmart near the Cielo Vista Mall. Police received calls reporting a gunman in the area just after 10:30 a.m. local time.
Bishop Jesus Ibarra held a special mass Sunday at La Paz Faith Memorial and Spiritual Center.
“It hurts me to see the extent of violence, especially when it’s people who have nothing to do with the events that happened,” Bishop Ibarra said.
The shooting hit the community hard. Twenty roses were displayed for the 20 lives lost in the attack. It’s a scene the bishop could have witnessed in person had he followed his usual routine.
“That’s my Walmart,” he explained. “Every first Saturday of the month, I go stock up. I’m there from 9 to 11:30, but I didn’t go that day.”
Members of the community gather at the vigils, looking for ways they can help.
“Pretty tough, but all we can do now is remain together and don’t change who we are as people,” said the bishop, as he wiped away his tears.
Perches Funeral Home, which is part of the La Paz Faith church, is working to help the families of the victims.
“Everyone is putting their own part, so we are going to be offering the family free services for their loved ones,” said Jorge Ortiz with the funeral home.
Ortiz says the El Paso community is based off love and unity, and love is needed more than ever in El Paso.
“Without love, there is nothing,” said Bishop Ibarra. “We are nothing.”
