The city of El Paso has rallied together to celebrate one-year-old Paul Anchondo's first birthday. He is a survivor of last year's mass shooting in El Paso Texas. Hundreds of residents, including a local motorcycle club, provided a parade in honor of Paul's first birthday, Saturday.

Sadly, Paul's parents were not there to help him celebrate.

On August 3rd, 2019, Paul's parents, Andre and Jordan Anchondo, took their then 2-month-old Paul with them into the El Paso Wal Mart, unaware that a gunman was firing shots in the parking lot as he entered the store. The gunman, 21-year-old Patrick Wood Crusius, opened fire inside of the store, killing 23 people, including both of Paul's parents, who died shielding their young infant. Crusius surrendered to the Texas Rangers minutes after the shooting. Crusius is still in custody indicted on 90 federal charges including hate crimes.

The parade for young Paul was a reminder that although this horrible crime was committed, Paul is not 'alone in this', his grandfather Gilbert Anchondo eluded.

According to KVIA in El Paso, parade participant, Joshua Hernandez offered that "Paul is a symbol of the good" that came out of this as he brings everyone even more together.

Happy 1st Birthday sweet Paul Anchondo.

Q92 logo
Enter your number to get our free mobile app

 

KEEP READING: Creative Ways to Bring Joy to Your Neighborhood While Social Distancing

 

More From Q92