Thousands of students, faculty, staff and community members gathered at South Lawn at 7 p.m. Monday evening to grieve, heal, reflect together and honor the lives of the three victims of Sunday’s shooting.
The informal vigil was organized by dozens of student leaders from CIOs and special status organizations across Grounds. Leaders passed out candles and orange ribbons to attendees, who congregated on South Lawn.
Minutes into the vigil, members of the Virginia football team gathered on the steps of Old Cabell Hall, who embraced one another and stood quietly among each other, looking out into the crowd. In silence, attendees raised their candles and phone flashlights to the players.
Three members of the Virginia football team — second-year student Devin Chandler, third-year student Lavel Davis and fourth-year student D’Sean Perry — were fatally shot Sunday evening on their return from a field trip in Washington, D.C. Two more students were also injured and are currently being treated at U.Va. Health. Henrico County police took suspect Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. into custody Monday afternoon.
After 30 minutes of reflection, attendees slowly began to leave their candles at the base of the Homer Statue, in front of the players on the steps of Old Cabell Hall and at the Rotunda.
“Light in darkness,” University President Jim Ryan reflected in an Instagram post. “Thanks to our students for lighting the way.”
Ryan and Provost Ian Baucom announced Tuesday is a Day of Remembrance for the University. The College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences are holding space in Old Cabell Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for students to meditate, be together and listen.
Other mental health resources for students on Grounds include Counseling and Psychological Services, Timely Care and the Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center’s Counseling Services.
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