ROUND ROCK, Texas — Four days after his city became the nation’s latest epicenter of a mass shooting, Round Rock’s mayor is sharing his own anger and grief at the deaths of two women and the injury of more than a dozen others during a weekend Juneteenth celebration.
Mayor Craig Morgan had been at that event soon before gunfire erupted and said he is still absorbing what happened, like so many in his community – and across the region.
“I do take it personal. I do,” Morgan said. “How can you not and be in this seat?”
Morgan welled with tears – navigating a complex set of emotions in the days since gunfire shattered a Juneteenth celebration at Old Settlers Park.
“You do go through some stages,” Morgan said. “I have been angry. You know, I have been sad.”
He knows so many of his city’s residents are going through the same – and worse. There is grief over the loss of 33-year-old Lyndsey Vicknair from Manor and 54-year-old Ara Duke of Pflugerville, who police say were innocent victims.
“They were amazing women, who had huge impacts on their community,” Morgan said. “We need people like that more than ever in our communities right now. So I am heartbroken.”
There is also anger and a determination to provide police with whatever they need to help find the person or people responsible.
“It’s a senseless, cowardly act,” Morgan said. “I don’t know how to make it any more clear that it was cowards that did this.”
Police say they are still investigating the shooting, which happened late Saturday. Authorities say the shooting started between two groups and that those involved fled the area. No arrests have been made.
“What I do know is that our chief and this police department, along with other multi-agencies, are working tirelessly to find them, and no rock will be left unturned,” Morgan said. “And we will bring them to justice.”
Morgan said the city had security plans in place, as it does with all large-scale events, but that it would have been difficult to stop what happened.
“No matter how much security, when you have an event, evil can find its way into an event," Morgan said.
According to Morgan, he and other Round Rock officials are also looking ahead to coming weeks to other events, including the city’s Fourth of July celebration – to make sure residents feel safe while also coming together again to help heal from the shooting.
“We are not going to let fear dictate what the city of Round Rock does,” Morgan said. “We are going to keep having these community events because that is what makes a community.”
Morgan said the city operates a crisis response unit and anyone impacted by the shooting is invited to call – even those who don’t live in Round Rock. Anyone needing their services should call 512-218-5501.
Mental health resources
For those in need of mental health assistance following this incident, the Round Rock Fire Department's Crisis Response Unit can be reached during the special extended office hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday, June 21, by calling 512-218-5501.
Outside of those hours, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990.
Other general mental health support services include the Crisis Text Hotline (text HOME to 741741), the National Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline (dial 988) and the Bluebonnet Trails Crisis Hotline (call 1-800-841-1255)."