Hundreds attend vigil for officers lost in shooting

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) –

A vigil and memorial at the scene of the shooting that claimed the lives of two Las Vegas Metro officers steadily grew throughout the day on Monday.

Police and others paid tribute to Officer Alyn Beck and Officer Igor Soldo at CiCi’s Pizza in northeast Las Vegas.

The two were shot and killed Sunday morning while they were eating lunch inside the restaurant in what police called an ambush attack.

Mourners laid flowers at the site of the attack as Metro officers stood watch over the memorial.

“This was terrible. Cops – great family guys. How do you describe a broken heart? There’s no way to help,” said one visitor to the memorial.

“I’ve seen a lot of emotion. It’s encouraging that officers want to talk to one another here,” said Metro’s Capt. Rich Fletcher

The wives of Metro officers showed support by adding bouquets of flowers to the memorial. While they know there is great risk every time their husbands leave for work, they never expected this.

“I’m so sorry you’re the ones that had to make the sacrifice for their agendas. If we could make it better, we would in a heartbeat,” said Stacie Wichman, who’s married to an officer.

Pastor Troy Martinez of East Vegas Christian Center led the vigil, calling for prayers for everyone affected.

“They risk their lives every day. It’s important to show support,” one vigil attendee said.

“It’s very senseless and upsetting,” another vigil attendee added.

Fletcher said officers can’t thank the community enough for its support, prayers and condolences.

Fletcher said crime in the northeast has decreased because of the growing bond between offices and the community.

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