Community comes together to heal wounds left by police shooting

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) –

Emotions remain raw more than two weeks after the shooting rampage that claimed the lives of two Las Vegas Metro officers and a civilian.

As the community continues to heal, a public forum was held on Tuesday at East Las Vegas Christian Center. Those who attended are still wondering why such a horrific event occurred.

“I think we have to believe that the hatred is part of a really small group, and we have to protect ourselves from that,” said Steve Schorr, the Las Vegas Review-Journal‘s vice president of community relations.

The event was organized by local radio station KXNT and was hosted by police officers, religious and community leaders.

“It’s part of the healing process to talk about things. It’s important to give feedback. If we’re not doing something that we need to be or can do something better, I think it’s important for the community to tell us. We’re only as good as the community makes us, and we’re here to serve you,” said Chief Deputy Tom Roberts with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

One of the most disturbing details of the shooting was that it took place in broad daylight, in a family setting, while the officers were having lunch.

“This wasn’t a dark alley or some remote location. This was a place that is family-friendly. So it’s shocking and people are concerned,” said East Las Vegas Christian Center Pastor Troy Martinez.

Everyone gathered acknowledged that there are questions that don’t necessarily have answers, but talking about the shooting might help them to turn the corner.

“We’re hoping that this will not be the full conversation, but this will be the start of an ongoing conversation because some of these topics there’s no quick fix for,” Martinez said.

Religious leaders said people should know that their doors are open for conversation. But if they aren’t comfortable with that, they should seek a friend to confide in.

Copyright 2014 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.