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Memorials Honor Victims Of 2 Deadly Mass Shootings

Eric Gay
/
Associated Press
Churchgoers arrive for a dedication ceremony for a new sanctuary and memorial room at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs in May.

Today marks the anniversaries of two mass shootings in Texas — two of the state’s deadliest shootings in history.

Ten years ago, 13 people were killed and dozens injured during a shooting rampage at the Fort Hood Army post in Killeen near Austin.

Friends and family of the victims are gathering today at the Fort Hood Memorial Pavilion, which features a collection of statues honoring the dead. There will be a separate ceremony that’s open to the public.

In South Central Texas just outside San Antonio, community members from Sutherland Springs are gathering at the First Baptist Church to remember the 26 people who were gunned down two years ago. Earlier this year, the church opened the doors of its new worship building, which is three times the size of the old one. It's been dedicated to the parishioners were killed.

Hady Mawajdeh has been a reporter, producer, and digital editor at KERA since 2016. He is the creator and the co-host of KERA's first narrative podcast, Gun Play. And prior to his work in engagement, he also reported on arts and culture, social justice, and gun rights for the newsroom.