LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Seven years after the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history, Clark County held a gathering to remember those lost on 1 October.
Several speakers shared their experiences, including a brother of one of the 58 victims who died that night.
“October 1st, we ran,” Michael Duarte, whose sister Christiana was killed at the Route 91 Festival. “October 2nd is the day we searched hospital to hospital, with multiple nurses saying we found your Chrissy, and yet, nowhere to be found.”
Duarte had to wait two agonizing days before learning that his sister died.
“October 3rd is the day we hit rock bottom, and I still remember the screams and yells in those halls that she got called back to God and her forever home,” he said. “Day four through nineteen was sitting in a hotel room, shattered to pieces, not knowing what direction to turn to.”
Watch the full ceremony here:
Like Duarte, LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill is still deeply affected by that night.
“Our job is to save lives,” he said to the crowd of a few hundred at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater. “And I know that for me personally, I will always be haunted by the lives we could not save.”
Also like Duarte, it was difficult for the musical performer Tuesday morning, who was at the festival that night, to come to the ceremony. This was his first time at the service, because until now, he said, he wasn’t quite ready. The organizer of the event encouraged him to come anyway.
“She said, ‘You know, just show up. It’s okay. It’s okay to be raw. It’s okay to be frail. It’s okay if you cry. Just show up and we’ll get through it together,’” the performer said.
The way Duarte found the strength to come and speak was through rekindled faith.
“I lost all faith in God seven years ago, but as I lost faith, it was mostly anger,” he explained. “Anger is good because God listens, even when you’re angry.”
For those still looking to pay their respects, an Evening Remembrance Ceremony will be held at the Healing Garden around 9:00 p.m.
Copyright 2024 KVVU. All rights reserved.
