BURLINGTON, Wash. — A grassroots effort led 200 plus people to walk through Cascade Mall Wednesday morning, posting signs of encouragement and support on storefront windows in Burlington.
Five people were shot and killed Friday night in the Macy’s store. Those walking Wednesday told KIRO 7 they wanted to take back their mall from the evil of that night.
The crowd was made up of people like Arielle Williams who brought her young son an array of notes to post.
“Our community is with you, thank you, Skagit strong,” said Williams as she showed KIRO 7 the words she wants mall employees to see. “Sending you love and strength.”
For many in the walk, the shooting was personal.
“I have an extra heart for Macy’s because I worked there throughout my last pregnancy,” said Samantha Gonzalez. “So I know a lot of the employees and it had to be so scary to be there when it happened. And I want them to know the community still supports them, we’re still going to come, we’re still going to be there for them.”
Joy Caldwell brought flowers and a sign to put outside the AMC Movie Theater at the mall since that’s where she and her husband were when the shooting happened.
“I came today to support our community,” said Caldwell. “So that we can take our mall back from evil.”
On Wednesday Caldwell sought out the young AMC worker who helped them evacuate to say thanks.
“It’s important because we have to move forward,” said Caldwell. “We’re still here so we have to be grateful for another day, and I am.”
Cox Media Group
