Allen community members gathered for the city’s annual summer celebration on Saturday night. Despite being a time of celebration, the mass shooting that took place nearby cast a shadow over some of that celebratory spirit.
On May 6, a heavily armed shooter entered Allen Premium Outlets and fired on shoppers in the area. A local police officer at the scene killed the assailant minutes after the attack began. However, the gunman had already shot 15 people, killing eight, including three children, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The mall was subsequently closed but reopened nearly a month later, with mixed emotions felt by those who returned to the shopping center.
As the community continued to heal, the city announced plans to proceed with its annual free summer party, Market Street Allen USA, at Celebration Park. The park is located about 3 miles from the Allen Premium Outlets mall.
This year’s event on the evening of June 24 featured increased security measures, including 50% more police officers and extra security near entrances and exits, similar to that at the reopening of the outlet mall, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Law enforcement also utilized drones, bike patrols, and watch towers to enhance security.
Even while enjoying the food trucks, live music, and fireworks, the mass shooting was still on the minds of some attendees.
Philip Miller, a resident of Allen, told CBS News that local residents are still talking about the shooting.
“It’ll get better,” said Miller. “It starts to get better everyday, but I think they’ll be talking about this for years to come.”
Allen Mayor Baine Brooks said he was proud of the community’s solidarity in the wake of the tragedy.
“Allen hearts were together, the Collin County hearts were with us, the state of Texas’ hearts were with us, and the hearts from around the United States were with us on that day and we felt it,” said Brooks, per CBS News.
