On Thursday, July 23, a seemingly ordinary night in Lafayette, Louisiana, John Russel Houser opened fire during the evening showing of “Trainwreck” at Grand 16 Theatre on Johnston Street, killing two and injuring nine before taking his own life.
Mayci Breaux, 21, and Jillian Johnson, 33, lost their lives that night with no explanation as to why. These two beautiful, successfull young woman are far from the only victims of the shooting that has affected hundreds. Acadiana has since banned together in unity to mourn and strengthen one another. Below you will find information on the shooting and numerous ways to honor its victims. There are also links for anyone seeking information on grief counseling or someone to talk to.
#LafayetteStrong – Donate
United Way of Acadiana: Lafayette is a strong, resilient community. And we will rely on that strength in the coming weeks. Together, we will #LIVEUNITEDand show what it means to be #LafayetteStrong.
If you’d like to donate to support those impacted by this tragedy, text LAFAYETTESTRONG to 41444 or CLICK HERE.
#LafayetteStrong – Blood Donations
In a situation like this tragic event, O-negative red cells and AB plasma are especially vital. As universal blood type(s) they can be transfused in emergencies when there’s no time to do a cross-match. We encourage people with O-negative and AB blood types to donate regularly throughout the year.
Click HERE to find out how to donate blood!
Lafayette Strong Stand Up Comedy Show & Benefit
The Advertiser Reports: Lafayette and New Orleans comedians are joining forces in August to host stand-up shows benefiting the victims of the Grand 16 Theatre shooting. Lafayette Strong benefit show will be at 9 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Grouse Room, 1919 Kaliste Saloom Road. In addition to local comics, the evening will include auctions and raffles.
Lafayette Strong Comedy Benefit
Lafayette Strong – Pray for Lafayette
Get Your Sign Drive Thru will be held Wednesday evening, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. July 29th at Cajun Field located at the intersection of Bertrand Dr. and Congress St., Lafayette, La.
19″ x 19″ Yard Signs $10 each
5″ x 5″ Decals $5.00
30″ x 30″ Banners $25.
T-Shirts $20
100% of proceeds to benefit victims’ families.
Please enter at W. Congress St. entrance and exit onto Bertrand Dr.
Lafayette Strong Signs to Benefit Shooting Victims
Lafayette Strong T-Shirts to Benefit Shooting Victims
Counseling or Mental Health Support
For anyone needing counseling or mental health support, please call 232-HELP/Louisiana 2-1-1 or one of the following services:
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1.800.985.5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Healing House: 337.234.0443
- The UL Lafayette Clinic for Counseling and Personal Development: 337.482.1018
If you have any additional information about the shooting, authorities are asking that you call 337.291.8650.
OTHER INFORMATION AND REPORTS
- KLFY Reports Hundreds Remember Mayci Breaux
- Washington Post: Jillian Johnson is Remembered
- KLFY Reports 2 Sisters Recount the Shooting
- CNN Reports: Victim Funerals and Shooting Details
- KLFY: Bobby Jindal Orders Flags Flown at Half Staff
- TheAdvertiser: Jindal Breaks Silence on Gun Laws
- TheAdvertiser: We Will Recover
- KLFY: Senators Introduce Resolution and Condemn Theatre Shooting
