Community unites in prayer following Allen mass shooting

Allen, Texas – On Sunday evening, the Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen, a sanctuary with a capacity of 2,400, was filled with mourners attending a community prayer service, according to Dallas Metro News, a Dallas news outlet. The gathering was a response to the devastating mass shooting that occurred at the nearby Allen Premium Outlet Mall the previous day.

A pastor opened the service, stating, “As a community, we are gathered here to offer comfort to one another through our prayers.” The event drew a diverse and somber crowd, reflecting the impact of the tragedy on the entire community.

During the service, Allen Mayor Ken Fulk expressed his condolences, saying, “Yesterday’s tragic shooting has left us all saddened and bewildered. But we are united in our pledge to stand with the families and friends of the victims. We offer our deepest condolences to all those affected. May God comfort you.”

In attendance to show their support were Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, and Attorney General Ken Paxton. They solemnly observed the emotional outpouring from the congregation but did not address the crowd.

While the atmosphere was somber, a few individuals made their opinions known during the service and were escorted out of the church. Others silently held signs reading “Enough is Enough” as a display of solidarity against violence.

Pastor John Mark Caton of Cottonwood Creek Church delivered a heartfelt plea to the congregation, saying, “God, we trust that you will comfort all who mourn.” He emphasized the importance of unity in the face of senseless violence, adding, “We must forge on, together, in unity.”

Allen Mayor-Elect Blaine Brooks expressed his belief in the healing power of prayer for the close-knit community. “Allen is going to come together to heal,” he said. “In our small town, we take care of each other, and it is so touching to see how many individuals have come to help us through this.”