Southport community unites in healing and hope after tragic shooting

SOUHTPORT, NC (WWAY) — The community has rallied together since the shooting with neighbors helping neighbors  

Locals and visitors were seen on Friday getting back outside to grab lunch or just take a walk. 

As the community continues to process Saturday’s mass shooting in Southport, many are finding comfort in getting back out and leaning on each other.  

The Lowder family is visiting Southport from Charlotte.  

While picnicking at the waterfront, they say the sense of community is easy to see. 

“There’s been a lot of people coming out, walking the dock and swinging on the swings and things,” Brenna Lowder said. 

“I know a lot of people that vacation here and I’m sure that was devastating for people to hear what had happened the other night but I’m sure that people are rallying and have a lot of support,” Janice Lowder explained. 

Southport resident, Laurie Pascoe sympathizes but knows the city and its residents are strong. 

“Last weekend was really tough for a lot of people and I think the city is resilient. I think people in the town just want to the best they can to get everything back to normal,” Laurie Pascoe said. 

She invited her mother-in-law, Diane Pascoe of Bolivia out to lunch.  

“This is the second time I’ve been here this week. We always patronize the stores here. We were remarking that we saw so many people here on Tuesday,” Diane Pascoe shared. 

Owner of Lantana’s Gallery in Southport, Hiliary Meehan says she’s noticed people gradually feeling more comfortable being out in public. 

“People have been out because they want that normalcy and just being together in public and being safe. We’ve had a mix of locals and out of town people,” Meehan shared. 

Meehan suggests that moving forward means supporting one another as a community. 

“We need to continue to feel safe and help each other feel safe. Just take the time we need to grieve but also hug and regain the trust of our community,” Meehan stated. 

A community prayer vigil will be held Saturday in memory of Joy Rogers and the other victims of the shooting. 

Generations Church will host the vigil at Southport Waterfront Park from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.