Gilroy Garlic Festival Shooting Prompts Outcry, Mourning On Twitter
America was stunned by another mass shooting Sunday, this time in a rural California town that has celebrated a pungent local harvest for decades.
On the final day of the Gilroy Garlic Festival, which features garlic foods, cooking competitions, musical performances and a Miss Gilroy Garlic contest, at least one gunman opened fire on the crowd. At least three people were killed and 15 others wounded in the attack.
One suspect was also fatally shot by law enforcement, authorities said. A manhunt is currently underway for any other accomplices.
The attack broke hearts and stoked fury on Twitter, prompting hashtags of “Pray for Gilroy,” “Gilroy Strong” and “Gun Control Now.”
this is my hometown. this is our hometown. im heartbroken. #GilroyStrong
— nat ✰ (@lilnatttt) July 29, 2019
Our hearts are heavy tonight hearing about the devastating tragedy in Gilroy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families. #PrayForGilroy pic.twitter.com/CDYpVhdrmT
— San Jose Giants (@SJGiants) July 29, 2019
We are devastated to learn of the horrific events in Gilroy today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone else affected by this tragedy.
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) July 29, 2019
Deeply saddened by the news of the shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, a beloved community tradition in Northern California. Wishing strength and recovery to our neighbors in Gilroy, the victims and their families. Much gratitude to the first responders.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) July 29, 2019
The iconic Gilroy Garlic Festival has been happening since 1979.
Over 11 million has been raised for local charities since.
Most of the workers are volunteers
The festival's intent is to bring fun and donate funds to local non-profits.
We need #GunControlNow— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) July 29, 2019
My heart breaks for the victims and families of another mass shooting, this time in Gilroy, CA. Thank you to our law enforcement and first responders. https://t.co/XVhgFVzu0Z
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) July 29, 2019
A small town garlic festival isn't even safe, this is just heartbreaking. stay strong #Gilroy ❤️
— Quinn (@Quinnbosselman) July 29, 2019
I’m both so sad and angry about the #GilroyGarlicShooting. I live close enough to hear sirens coming and going. My family is fine. My community is not ok.
— Crystal Cuadra (@CCuadra8) July 29, 2019
It was enough after Columbine.
It was "never again" after Newtown.
It never should've happened to Gilroy.#GunControlNow— Jaime Lopez (@Lopeezie) July 29, 2019
This one was literally across the road from where I live and my wife and kids were there again today. The insanity has to stop #GunControlNow
— Greg Phipps (@AusRunnerGeek) July 29, 2019
If you’re from the Bay you know that the Gilroy Garlic Festival is a beloved event that attracts diverse folks from all over Nor Cal, including families & kids. This is devastating & there’s one cause for it & one cause only: easy access to guns. Lawmakers, make it stop now.
— Meena Harris (@meenaharris) July 29, 2019
An active shooter opened fire at an annual festival that the community of Gilroy, California, looks forward to every year.
Allowing the gun lobby to write our nation’s gun laws is literally killing us. We don’t have to live this way. We sure as hell shouldn’t die this way. ACT. https://t.co/DWqDcgqKyH— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) July 29, 2019
Joe Biden: "This violence is not normal. How many more families will have to lose a loved one before we fix our broken gun laws? We must take action, starting with real reform.
Our thoughts are with everyone in Gilroy this evening. Enough is enough."— MSNBC (@MSNBC) July 29, 2019
As a Gilroy resident fuck you, do something about your fucking gun laws. Enough is enough. #PrayforGilroy https://t.co/CsG5uiYsbi
— Joanaaa🍁 (@j__408) July 29, 2019
For those of us raised in Gilroy, we were subjected to constant teasing over pungent garlic odor. Gilroy pride then made lemonade out of lemons with the #garlicfestival This #gilroygarlicshooting will hit this town hard. Prayers to all. #gilroystrong
— Ed Vasquez (@edvasquez) July 29, 2019
My heart and prayers go out to my community of Gilroy, CA. I can’t believe there was a shooting at the #GilroyGarlicFestival. #gilroystrong
— Cain Velasquez (@cainmma) July 29, 2019
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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
