Memorial unveiled to victims of Texas Walmart mass shooting

A memorial was unveiled Saturday horing 22 people who were killed in a recent mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. 30-foot tall golden obelisk, called “Grand Candela,” or “Big Candle,” was revealed to public during a morning ceremony in parking lot of Walmart, which reopened this month for first time since Aug. 3 attack in which police say gunman specifically targeted Mexicans.

A private lighting was held Friday night for families of those who died and for those who survived attack, including 25 people who were wounded. “A memorial is important to healing process,” said Todd Peterson, a Walmart regional manr whose territory includes El Paso. El Paso Diocese Bishop Mark J. Seitz, speaking in both English and Spanish in border city that is home to many Latis, called site sacred and said he hopes it shows people can “respond to weapons of hatred with weapons of love.”

Days before store reopened following a revation, a makeshift memorial that h been behind building was taken down. Police say 21-year-old Patrick Crusius drove more than 10 hours from his home near Dallas to carry out attack. Crusius has pleed t guilty to capital murder charges in attack. Prosecutors plan to seek death penalty.