As Round Rock, Texas comes to grips with the aftermath of the Juneteenth mass shooting, the community gathered in a show of solidarity for the victims at two separate vigils. Lyndsey Vicknair, 33, an attorney, mother, and co-founder of the Austin Honey Badgers track club, along with Ara Duke, 52, were both honored at these events. CBS Austin reported on the ceremony held Thursday evening, which saw friends, and family come together in remembrance and prayer.
While the vigil mainly focused on honoring the victims, the larger plight of the community was palpable. "Though they died celebrating our freedom, in their departure may we continue to celebrate their lives," said a pastor during the proceedings, according to CBS Austin. Brejier Nichols, a friend of Duke's, expressed his hope that the positive impact the victims had on children and youth would be remembered. Meanwhile, the Round Rock Police Department continues its pursuit of justice, having made an arrest Thursday morning; 17-year-old Ricky Thompson III is facing an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge, said Round holds Rock Police Chief Allen Banks. Banks hinted at the possibility of more shooters involved in this tragic event, and RRPD's ongoing efforts to apprehend them.
In a parallel convening, the Austin Honey Badgers track club, where Vicknair contributed as a co-founder, met at Webb Middle School to celebrate her spirit. "The Vicknair family, again, is a part of our family," Candice Cooper, a co-founder of the club, shared sentiments on Vicknair's role both in the committee, and how she would be missed. KVUE captured these moments and detailed how Vicknair’s legacy would continue through her daughter, Kenzi, who is a member of the track club.
Ara Duke's connection to the community ran through her work with the Boys and Girls Club of Austin, where she served as a school liaison. "She was an integral to our work," said CEO Zenae Campbell, underscoring the deep loss felt by the organization, as per KVUE.
