Penticton pays its respects for shooting victims at candlelight vigil

PENTICTON – Penticton residents gathered at Gyro Park this evening to express their sorrow, provide support for the families impacted by the deadly shootings on Monday, and begin healing in the wake of the tragedy.

The Penticton Wine Country Chamber of Commerce and the Ooknakane Friendship Centre organized a candlelight vigil at the park tonight, April 17, following Monday’s horrific shooting incidents that left four Penticton residents dead.

Master of Ceremonies Dale Cory introduced Penticton MLA Dan Ashton, who expressed condolences on behalf of the province, followed by Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki who expressed the city’s sympathies and prayers on behalf of staff and council.

“I wish we were here under different circumstances. I’m proud of Penticton and how they came together on Monday,” he said.

Cory commended the RCMP for their “quick action upon first call Monday morning.”

“It should be quite obvious to all of us by now that these people do a thankless job,” he said, prior to introducing Penticton RCMP detachment commander Supt. Ted De Jager.

“I want to express my thanks to all of you,  and express my sympathies to the families of the victims from Monday, and on behalf of my entire detachment and the many members who came here to support this community, I express my deepest condolences,” De Jager said, adding as a community “we all go through this together.”

The brief ceremony, which was attended by several hundred people, was followed by a lighting of candles and a moment of silence.

The evening’s ceremonies ended with a prayer led by Morning Star Woman.

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