ALLEN, Texas — An 11-foot tall memorial in honor of the Allen mass shooting victims is now on display, one year after the shooting happened.
A tent covering the memorial was removed early Monday morning. Monday marked one year since the May 6, 2023, shooting that resulted in the deaths of eight people at the Allen Premium Outlets.
The memorial sits at the northwest interior section of the outlet mall, near the flagpoles and community seating. The memorial was constructed of hand-painted stainless steel, and it weighs around 1,800 pounds.
On Monday, a small black plaque that says "Always Remembered, May 6th, 2023" could be seen in the flower bed at the base of the memorial. Mall officials say a permanent bronze plaque will eventually be installed where the temporary one is.
The memorial includes eight wind chimes in honor of the eight people who died in the shooting: The Cho family: Kyu, Cindy and their 3-year-old son James; sisters, 11-year-old Daniela Mendoza and 8-year-old Sofia Mendoza; Christian LaCour, 20; Aishwarya Thatikonda, 27; and Elio Cumana-Rivas, 32.
The memorial sculpture was designed by Placzek Studios, and artist Matthew Placzek constructed it.
Here was Placzek's description of his work:
“Rising to the skies, this memorial is a vessel for quiet reflection. Adorned with eight individual wind chimes, the soft tones will serve as a serene and contemplative reminder of the lives that endure through the memories of loved ones and the Allen community.”
Allen Premium Outlets officials also released a statement about the memorial:
"We honor this anniversary with heavy hearts. As we do, we continue to offer our compassion and prayers for healing, as well as our gratitude for those who continue to go above and beyond to help others. Those who were lost on May 6, 2023, will always be remembered. In honor of their lives, the brave actions of our first responders, and the strength of the Allen community, a permanent memorial sculpture specifically designed by Placzek Studios has been installed at Allen Premium Outlets. We remain Allen Strong."
