El Paso marks 7th anniversary of August 3 shooting with week of remembrance

The City of El Paso is organizing a week of remembrance activities marking seven years since the August 3, 2019 shooting that claimed 23 lives, according to KVIA.

Mayor Renard U. Johnson said in a statement that the tragedy left a lasting mark on the city while demonstrating community compassion and resilience. Johnson encouraged residents to participate in the observances and to support one another through acts of kindness, including blood donation, volunteering, and helping neighbors.

The observances begin August 2 and run through August 10, according to the city. From August 2 through 8 at 8:30 p.m., residents are invited to participate in Unite with Light, illuminating porches and windows with orange lights as a sign of remembrance and solidarity.

A community remembrance ceremony will take place Monday, August 3 at 9 a.m. at Jim Crouch Park, 7500 W. H. Burges Drive. The Border Network for Human Rights will host the event, which will include elected officials, faith leaders, and community advocates.

At 8:30 p.m. on August 3, the Star on the Mountain will flash 23 times in memory of the victims.

City Hall will display a tribute installation featuring photographs of the 23 victims outside Council Chambers from August 3 through 10 at 300 N. Campbell Street, providing space for residents and visitors to reflect.

A community blood drive will be held Tuesday, August 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall Breezeway, 300 N. Campbell Street, according to the announcement.