Honoring the Memories of Those Killed

We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Maurice Stallard and Vickie Jones, two African American individuals whose lives were taken too soon on Wednesday, October 24, at a Kroger store in Kentucky. The gunman attempted to enter a predominantly black church before arriving at the grocery store where he opened fire. Stallard was in the store with his young grandson when the gunman shot him.

We also want to offer our heartfelt sympathy to the parishioners whose lives were senselessly taken away at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 27. The Jewish community in Pittsburgh continues to mourn. It is deplorable and immoral to target people, much less in a sanctuary and a place of worship, based on faith, religion, and race.

Just last night, 12 people were killed in a bar. Among those people were young patrons, security workers, employees, and Sergeant Ron Helus. Our heavy hearts go out to the young adults with dreams, law enforcement officers that used their body to shield victims, Sgt. Helus who was soon due to retire, and people enjoying a night out in Thousand Oaks, California.

Their families have forever changed because of the horrific hate crimes that the gunmen committed.  I am confident that the outrageous gun shootings will only bring together the people of Jeffersontown, the Jewish community, and those affected in Thousand Oaks. We stand with you all in solidarity.