#GilroyStrong on full display at downtown candlelight vigil

GILROY, Calif. (KTVU) - The Gilroy community came together Thursday night in solidarity forever impacted by Sunday's mass shooting. Hundreds of people turned out for a candlelight vigil in downtown Gilroy. Their message is the shooting will not define the tight-knit community.

Standing together in mourning, Gilroy's resilience was on full display Thursday night as hundreds of people took over the downtown intersection of Monterey and 5th Street blanketed with the message "Gilroy Strong."

"We are saddened, hurt, angry, and confused," said Mark Turner, president of the Gilroy Chamber. "We are now one of those communities on a growing list of communities."

The community is still reeling after an attack on the city's cherished and celebrated Gilroy Garlic Festival, known as the soul of the community.

"An individual with hatred in his heart tried to steal our innocence," said Gilroy Mayor Roland Velasco.

The city is grieving for the three young people killed and more than a dozen injured. When asked how many people have cried this week, hands shot up. It was sadness not only felt by the victims's families but everyone. The gathering was an opportunity to console, comfort and to heal.

"I've watched other terrorist type attacks around the world and the way it was dealt with and I look at the way my staff dealt with this, I have to tell you I'm pretty damn proud of them," said Gilroy Police Chief Scot Smithee.

It was a chance to give a nod to the unsung heroes and angels. Gilroy's Police Chief received a standing ovation. He said if anyone had to deal with a tragedy like this, he'd rather it be him.

"The devil came to Gilroy and Gilroy PD sent him straight back to hell," said Chief Smithee.

"People of Gilroy, please look around, look at this crowd, that bastard did not destroy us," said Velasco. 

The crowd was encouraged to hold hands to lift each other up.

"Shame on you for underestimating the small town strength of our small town family," said Fred Tovar of the Gilroy City Council.

The small town is united and determined to rise above Sunday's events no matter how long it takes.

"We have to work through the pain, we have to go through it but we have to come out stronger and show the world what we are made of," said Chief Smithee.