AUSTIN, Texas — On Sunday, Austin City Hall was filled with community members, city leaders and fellow officers mourning the loss of Senior Police Officer Jorge Pastore, who was killed in the line of duty of Nov. 11 while responding to a 911 call.
Another officer who has not been named was injured, and two other victims – also not identified – were killed, along with the suspect.
Sunday was meant to unite the city as Austinites try to forge a path forward in the wake of a tragedy.
"The pain is fresh, but we can find solace in knowing that Officer Pastore died doing what he loved," said Michael Bullock, president of the Austin Police Association (APA).
Bullock described Pastore as a hard worker who "constantly sought to improve himself."
"Officer Pastore was a warrior, "Bullock said. "We will honor his memory as his fellow warriors by fighting for this city and profession, no matter who or what may stand in our way."
PHOTOS: Austinites remember fallen police officer during candlelight vigil
Cleo Petricek, co-founder of Save Austin Now, touched on the risk that officers like Pastore take on a daily basis when they put on their uniform.
"Officers like Jorge make it possible for us to live only a phone call away from help," Petricek said. "We must show our support for our officers who, despite these stresses, put on the uniform and take great personal risk to offer safety and a helping hand to our community."
Austin Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly (District 6), Austin's NAACP President Nelson Linder, Central Texas Public Safety Commission President Eddie Margain and others also spoke about Pastore and the need to support officers in the community.
Austin Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson was also present at the vigil but did not speak.
Community members at the vigil held candles and listened intently.
Kathleen Smith, who attended the vigil, said she didn't know the victims, but the incident itself was enough to make her fearful and heartbroken.
"I can't even imagine what [Pastore's] family's going through, and it scares me. I'm afraid," Smith said.
As the grief sits with several Austinites, so do the memories.
Pictures of Pastore have been displayed in front of the Austin Police Department Headquarters, alongside flowers and candles.
During Sunday's vigil, a small table was also set up with similar items.
In a new statement, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson mentioned there will be other events, in Pastore's honor and overall, in regards to this recent incident.
Watson wrote in part:
"My hope — my deepest wish — is that, as a community, we move from this moment with compassion and empathy, reason and thoughtfulness, so that we will be more together going forward. We grieve, we mourn, we heal—as one city with a collective future."