LAFAYETTE, La. (WGNO) – In Lafayette, people are determined to overcome the attack that killed two innocent people and injured nine more. Less than 24 hours after the shooting signs of the city’s resilience are beginning to appear.
“It is just completely unbelievable that someone could go in and destroy my life then destroy themselves. It’s the crazies,” Lafayette Resident Bob Clements said.
As on 5 p.m. Friday, the Grand Theater 16 remained a crime scene. Closed. But just as a vacant as the business looked, the people of Lafayette were determined to make sure they represent the city, not an unexplainable attack.
One year ago a survey found Lafayette has the most joyous residence in the country.
The other movie theaters in Lafayette are open and people are going. While it may seem like an unusual choice of distraction from Thursday night’s tragedy, one mom told WGNO reporter Curt Sprang people here are about the living.
“We still have a family, and it can’t stop me from living. It’s still living,” Tabitha Pierce a Lafayette mom said. “You still have to take your families out. Still have to do the things you need to do.”
Bounce around town and you will see a reverence for the victims and an appreciation for life at the same time.
But aside from optimism and hope, people are talking about the state of mental health care in Louisiana and around the country. Many told WGNO they hope this attack will begin a discussion on mental health care.