NORFOLK, Virginia — Members of the Old Dominion University community gathered for a vigil to remember the 12 victims who were killed during last week’s’ mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center.
Full Coverage: Tragedy in Virginia Beach
Five of the victims had ties to ODU:
- Tara Welch Gallagher, BS in Civil Engineering 2002, Master of Engineering 2003.
- Alexander Gusev, BS in Civil Engineering, 2016.
- Richard H. Nettleton, BS in Business Administration, 1994.
- Christopher Kelly Rapp, BS in Civil Engineering, 1994.
- Ryan Keith Cox, former student.
During the vigil inside of ODU’s Webb University Center, ODU President John R. Broderick extended his condolences to those in the community who were affected by the tragedy.
“In this very space, we have gathered far too many times to mourn,” said President Broderick. “But Virginia Beach, that’s our neighbor. For many students at ODU, that’s their home.”
For Isis Cowan, a student at ODU, the tragedy hits close to home. She lives a few minutes away from the municipal center.
“How could that happen here?” said Cowan.
Cowan said she drives past the memorial outside of the municipal center every morning.
“When I drive by, my heart just kind of sinks,” said Cowan.
In a letter, President Broderick praised members of the monarch community who have stepped in to help those affected by the tragedy.
More about the victims:
- Tragedy in Virginia Beach: Remembering Laquita Brown
- Melanie Coffey: 'You are heroes who serve our community every day...' | Shooting survivor thanks first responders
- Survivor: Keith Cox saved lives during the Municipal Center shooting
- Joshua Hardy: 'Picture perfect neighbor' among the slain in mass shooting
- Mass shooting victim Missy Langer was supposed to be on vacation with her sister
- Man remembers friend, Richard Nettleton, who was killed in the Virginia Beach mass shooting
- 'Her laugh was infectious' | Best friend remembers Kate Nixon
- Tragedy in Virginia Beach: Tidewater Pipes and Drums remembers Christopher Rapp
- Stafford County honors Virginia Beach shooting victim Christopher Rapp
- Herbert Snelling: Church, friends remember contractor killed in Virginia Beach mass shooting