TAMPA, Fla. – After a year two people were killed and 16 others were injured in a mass shooting in Ybor Cityfamilies and survivors gathered to honor the victims and demonstrate community resilience.

According to Tampa police, two groups fought in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 29, 2023, leading to gunfire. Elijah Wilson, 14, and Harrison Boonstoppel, 20, 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 took back the street where their loved one lost his life.

One year after two people were killed and 16 others injured in a mass shooting in Ybor City, families and survivors gathered to honor the victims and demonstrate community resilience.

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

“I had to go to where the scene was to get here, but all the emotions are brought up,” Perez said. “But just, I’m glad I’m still here.”

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

One year after two people were killed and 16 others injured in a mass shooting in Ybor City, families and survivors gathered to honor the victims and demonstrate community resilience.

“I haven’t seen a community like Ybor come together more probably in my history as a police officer,” Bercaw said.

A year of healing has also brought safety changes, including extra patrols — strategies Bercaw says TPD picked up from Orlando.

A state grant will soon triple the number of cameras currently in place, and security guards will soon be required in private parking lots.

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

For some, returning to Ybor is still too painful. Survivors at Tuesday night’s vigil shared their message with others they will forever share a bond with.

Two people were killed and 16 were injured in a shooting in Ybor City on October 29, 2023.

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

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

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