The Allen Fire Department has removed crosses set up as a memorial to the eight victims of the Allen Premium Outlets shooting May 6. Volunteers have gathered all the letters, cards, stuffed animals and candles people have left behind over the past ten days.
They said they will not throw everything away. Instead, they have boxed the materials and will share them with victims' families.
"We heal, and we grow," volunteer Cheryl Jackson said. "The shirts they're putting out with 'Allen strong?' We should say, "Allen stronger.'"
Jackson said volunteers have stayed at the site from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. to watch over everything people have left behind.
"For the last eight days, we've allowed people to cry on our shoulders," she said. "I said to them, 'Do you realize the last eight days, we've protected one of the worst tragedies this year?' They all began to cry because it was an honor to be able to do it but sad that we had to."
Even as Allen Fire took down the last crosses, people were still leaving additional flowers and cards.
"I want to show respect," one woman said. "Why did these innocent people have to die for no reason?"
"It's Texas pride, too," another woman said. "I think the whole state is very happy with how the police officers here responded."
An Allen Police officer who was responding to another call, but the police chief says, when he heard gunshots, he started running toward the scene and killed the gunman. The officer has asked to stay anonymous.
Allen Premium Outlets has not chosen a date to reopen. The mall's management wrote in a statement, "The needs of our retailers and our community will guide when and how we reopen the center."
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to “PLAY 1080 KRLD”
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram