The first anniversary of the mass shooting that took place at an outlet mall in Allen is less than a month away, and the city is preparing to mark the occasion in remembrance of the victims.
Eight people were killed and nine were wounded when a gunman opened fire on shoppers at the Allen Premium Outlet Mall on Saturday, May 6, 2023, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. An Allen police officer who happened to be nearby at the time of the shooting confronted and neutralized the threat in less than six minutes.
Victims of the shooting included 37-year-old Kyu Song Cho, his wife, 35-year-old Cindy, and 3-year-old son James Cho; 32-year-old Ello Cumana-Rivas; 20-year-old Christian LaCour; sisters 11-year-old Daniela and eight-year-old Sofia Mendoza; and 27-year-old Aishwarya Thatikonda, as covered by DX.
“Long-term concern is, are we here today? We’re here today,” Allen Mayor Baine Brooks told Fox 4 KDFW. “It’s been almost a year, and we’re here today, and we’ve seen a lot of healing. We’ve seen a lot of love, lot of emotions. We’re stronger.”
The Allen Premium Outlets opened again on May 31, 2023, after being closed due to the shooting, as previously covered by The Dallas Express.
A remembrance event will take place on May 6 at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center. It will feature performances from the Allen High School choir and Allen Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as an interfaith reflection, according to the City of Allen.
The Allen Philharmonic Orchestra will perform “In Lumine,” a piece that was specially commissioned by the community orchestra. The title means “in light,” which alludes to remembering the victims in the light of life.
The event is free and open to the public. A citywide moment of silence will take place at 3:36 p.m., the time of the call when the gunshots were heard.
Attendees are required to abide by the facility’s prohibited items and clear bag policies, which are posted on the event website.
