Families and survivors gather for vigil a year after Ybor City mass shooting: 'We are not just victims'

One year later: Deadly Ybor City attack

A year ago, the lives of more than a dozen people changed forever. Two groups of families lost children to senseless gun violence in Ybor City during the Halloween celebration.

TAMPA, Fla. – one year later 2 people died and 16 people were injured in a mass shooting Ybor CityFamilies and survivors came together to honor the victims and show the resilience of the community.

According to Tampa police, a fight broke out between two groups in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 29, 2023, and gunshots were heard. Fourteen-year-old Elijah Wilson and 20-year-old Harrison Boonstoppel were killed.

Tuesday night’s vigil focused on remembrance as people walked down 7th Avenue holding blue candles. Boonstoppel’s family was among those who reclaimed the street where their loved one died.

A year after two people were killed and 16 others were injured in a mass shooting in Ybor City, families and survivors came together to honor the victims and show the resilience of the community.

This force also brought survivors like Emily Perez and Kila Ryker back to where they were shot. Their healing journey was painful, both physically and emotionally.

“I had to walk from where the stage was to get here, but all the emotions came out,” Perez said. “But I’m just glad I’m still here.”

It’s that spirit that remains with Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.

A year after two people were killed and 16 others were injured in a mass shooting in Ybor City, families and survivors came together to honor the victims and show the resilience of the community.

“In my police history, I have never seen a community that comes together like Ybor,” Bercaw said.

The year-long recovery brought security changes, including additional patrols; Strategies Bercaw said TPD took from Orlando.

The government grant will soon triple the number of cameras currently available, and security guards will soon be needed in private car parks.

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“We’re here, we’ve always been here,” Bercaw said. “We will continue to be here and will do everything we can to keep the community safe.”

For some, the return to Ybor is still very painful. At Tuesday night’s vigil, survivors shared their messages with others with whom they will share a bond forever.

Two people died and 16 people were injured in a shooting attack in Ybor city on October 29, 2023.

“You’re not alone,” Perez said. “And I always love talking to people who are going through the same things as me, because we’re not just victims, we’re survivors. And I feel like our story should never end.”

Last weekend TPD had additional patrols for the Halloween Bar Crawl, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol. These additional patrols will continue throughout this weekend.

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