Candlelight Vigil Planned To Honor Victims Of Henry Pratt Shooting

AURORA, IL — Aurora will honor the five men who lost their lives in the Henry Pratt mass shooting with a candlelight vigil Thursday.

The event marks five years to the date since Russell Beyer, Vicente Juarez, Clayton Parks, Josh Pinkard and Trevor Wehner, an intern on his first day of work, were killed by a fellow employee who opened fire in the Henry Pratt Company warehouse.

Six Aurora police officers and one other employee were injured in the Feb. 15, 2019, incident before the 45-year-old shooter was fatally shot by police, Patch previously reported.

Thursday's vigil, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Belle Salle Events Center, 1920 E. New York St., will feature remarks from family members of the five men and reflections from law enforcement members.

Officials will use the occasion to unveil a memorial bench designed in honor of the men, according to a news release.

Locals will have another opportunity to remember the five victims. The Aurora Historical Society will display crosses and various memorabilia in an exhibit at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 East Downer Place, from Feb. 7-17.