The Wear Orange Weekend event at Market Square on June 2, 2018. Photo by James Cullum/Gazette Packet
Hundreds of gun violence prevention supporters gathered at Alexandria's Market Square on Sunday, June 3, to recognize Wear Orange Weekend and push for greater gun violence prevention. The speakers included Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and Carmen Lodato, the daughter of Ruthanne Lodato — one of three Alexandrians who was gunned down by convicted killer Charles Severance.
Residents, local Democratic politicians and candidates donned orange shirts and outfits to commemorate 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed in Chicago a week after performing at President Barack Obama's second inaugural parade in 2013. The event was coordinated by the Alexandria chapter of Moms Demand Action and Everytown For Gun Safety.