Victims of gun violence honored at vigil | Community Spirit

One year ago today, six people were killed, and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords severely injured, when a gunman opened fire on a crowd outside an Arizona Safeway.

As hundreds gathered in Tucson to remember that deadly day, dozens gathered in Downtown Seattle for the 'Too Many Victims' vigil, paying tribute to all victims of gun violence.  

"Gun violence is the most significant and neglected public issue of our time," said Ralph Fascitelli, Board President of Washington Cease Fire.

It's not Fascitelli's first vigil for gun victims.
     
10 years ago, someone shot and killed his best friend, and fellow gun control advocate, U.S. Attorney Tom Wales.
     
Events like these, Fascitelli says, are hard because they bring back painful memories. But he says, they're also necessary.      

"Make sure that those who have died from gun violence did not die in vain."

Near flickering candles, a row of people, though silent, made a 'loud' statement.

Eric Miller says he too, is for gun control, especially after a family member was shot - but he doesn't believe banning the weapons will lower violence.

"In this state, you can have a gun, you can open carry, and there's never been a problem. It's been that way since the founding of the state. We don't have issues here," he said.

Whether you are against guns or for them, those behind Washington Ceasefire say it's not a black and white issue.      

"This is gray area, people, particularly in this economy. People get depressed, people have mental issues, people have post-traumatic stress, there's domestic violence, suicide's a big part of this," said Fascitelli.

U.S. Representative Jim McDermott, (D-WA),  whose colleague is Gabby Giffords, said certain guns should be banned.

"The whole issue of these clips that will shoot 33 bullets in an instant, you don't need that if you're hunting, you don't need that, that's only for war or terrorism, and I think they ought to be banned," he said.  

At the event, there were people with opposing views and opinions when it comes to gun laws.
     
But they all agreed no matter their differences, it's important to have a discussion.