Southport community explores next steps after deadly shooting
SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — After the tragic shooting in Southport that left three dead and multiple people injured the community is wondering whether there should be a permanent memorial.
Music, raffles and cold drinks at a fundraising event over the weekend at the yacht basin in Southport.
Southport resident Ron Rico attended.
“I think this is a great event that kind of culminates all the efforts over the last couple of weeks,” Rico said.
The city is filled with temporary memorials, and Southport Police Chief Todd Coring would support something more permanent.
“There have been some talks about that, but we have not really sat down at the table. I’ve had some community members reach out to me about some sort of permanent memorial or remembrance; we’re not sure what that would look like,” Coring shared.
Littleton Colorado created a ‘Wall of Healing’ after the 1999 Columbine School Shooting.
There’s also a memorial at Virginia Tech with stones engraved with the victims’ names from the 2007 shooting.
So, what would Southport do?
“So, we just want to make sure if we do it, what it would look like. I certainly think that’s something that would be a good thing, but we just want to get a good collective response from everybody,” Coring said.
Especially business owners in the tourist heavy area.
“I mean we would talk with the community here; we have a strong business community here; the restaurants are so tight knit so we would want to get their feelings on that,” Coring explained.
Rico encourages the city to step up.
“I think that the town should have an opportunity to express their opinion on that and then whatever the town thinks what’s appropriate, the citizens of Southport. I think that’s probably what should happen,” Rico shared.
Southport Cares, a local non-profit assisting the victims and their families, founder Tom Lott
“That’s a big part of the healing is them reconnecting. I think that’s really the best thing for them right now. At some point I think there might be some memorials or other things done, but we’re still working through the early stages,” Lott said.
In a statement, Southport City Manager Noah Saldo says in part
“While there has not yet been significant discussion about creating a permanent memorial or what form it might take, we will keep this in mind as we continue to heal and move forward, ensuring ongoing support for the victims and their families.”
Coring adds whatever they do; it cannot define the city.
“One thing is we want to not let this define us and sometimes a constant reminder will still set the tone of fear,” Coring stated.
The full statement from Saldo:
Our immediate focus has been on responding to the urgent needs arising from this tragic event. The community has come together in remarkable ways, supporting the victims’ families through various events and fundraisers. While there has not yet been significant discussion about creating a permanent memorial or what form it might take, we will keep this in mind as we continue to heal and move forward, ensuring ongoing support for the victims and their families.
