TAMPA, Florida — It was an emotional Wednesday evening in Tampa as many people remembered the two young lives lost in an Ybor City shooting last weekend.
Moms Demand Action, a Tampa chapter of the national organization aimed at promoting strict gun laws, held a vigil in Centennial Park to honor the people killed and hurt in the shooting.
"This is an entire community that has been traumatized," a volunteer with Mom's Demand Action, Melissa Ransdell, said. "The ripple effect is huge."
As a volunteer, Ransdell said it’s on the community to construct change.
"We don’t have to live like this," she said. "That’s why we do this work. We don’t want anyone else to have to go through this."
As a gun owner, Ransdell said this isn’t anti-gun, it’s anti-gun violence. Ransdell believes gun laws need to be strengthened.
"The community is paying the price for these lax gun laws."
To know two families lost their children over the weekend and so many more are experiencing pain from injuries, it hurts her as a mother.
"Being a mom, being a parent, it’s especially hard when you know someone lost a child, but that’s why we do this work," Ransdell said.
Ransdell wants people to make sure if you own a gun, that you’re responsible.
"So many times guns are stolen from vehicles and then they’re used in crimes," she said. "So lock up your guns."
Ransdell said by adjusting your actions, you could prevent what happened last weekend.
"It’s sad and horrific for so many people and that’s why I volunteer."
During the vigil, people lit candles for the 14-year-old and 20-year-old who were killed. Prayers were also said for the 16 others who were injured.
The Tampa Police Department wants to remind the community that if you know anything or have video from the shooting, there’s a portal online where you can submit tips.