Texas school shooting: Memorial honoring 21 victims draws hundreds to Uvalde town square

Hundreds of people flocked to the town square in Uvalde, Texas, on Saturday to pay their respects to the 19 children and two teachers slain Tuesday when a gunman opened fire inside Robb Elementary School.

>> Read more trending news

Out-of-towners from Houston to Colorado have descended upon the close-knit community since Tuesday’s tragedy, KSAT-TV reported, noting that 21 wooden crosses bearing the names of the victims now encircle the fountain in the town square, where the outpouring of support continued Saturday.

>> Related: Texas school shooting: Matthew McConaughey visits hometown of Uvalde

“So, we came up with the hearts and crosses. It was designed by another gentleman that we took it over from,” Bonnie Fear, response coordinator for Lutheran Church Charities K-9, told the TV station.

The display was provided by the Hearts of Mercy and Compassion, Crosses for Losses Ministry.

>> Related: Texas school shooting: Child called 911 asking to send police; commander made ‘wrong decision’

According to KSAT, the handmade crosses, made across 15 locations nationwide, were transported to Uvalde from Fort Worth, Texas.

Meanwhile, about 100 motorcyclists from San Antonio rode into Uvalde on Saturday in a show of solidarity for their grieving neighbors, KENS reported.

“It’s close to home. This is right at our back door. You would figure it would never happen here,” rider Michael Campa told the TV station.

>> Related: Texas school shooting: 4 things to know about Uvalde

Arturo Garcia, another of the motorcyclists, echoed Campa’s heartfelt sympathy.

“That could have been our children, but it is one of our children because it’s one of our sons and daughters from the community,” Garcia told KENS.

>> Related: Texas elementary school shooting: Here’s how to help

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 28

Uvalde in mourning Hinojosa McKenzie, 28, fourth from left, prays for her cousin Eliahana Torres and other victims, at a memorial site for victims killed in the Robb Elementary school shooting, Saturday, May 28, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E) (Wong Maye-E/AP)

©2022 Cox Media Group