Texas observes moment of silence for victims of Santa Fe shooting

SANTA FE, Texas – As the clock struck ten on Monday morning, people in Texas observed a moment of silence for the ten victims of Friday's massacre at Santa Fe High School. 

With heavy hearts, people gathered for a moment of silence in front of the school, which was closed Monday and Tuesday.

Greg Zanis, of Chicago, has created more than 22,000 crosses -- each for victims of mass murders.

His small, white, wooden crosses, with red hearts and the names and pictures of the victims, sit outside Santa Fe High School.

“I’m doing this for the victims, for their families," Zanis said. "It’s a simple message. A guy coming 1,200 miles across the country to show his love like this."

Zanis, along with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team from North Carolina, placed the crosses in their spots near a memorial under the school sign.

"We come to support the community,” said Jeff Naber, a member of the team.

It’s a place family, friends and community members can show love and pray for those lost, their loved ones and a community in pain.

“I want to show him how life is -- how fast (one) can lose it and even coming to school, you have to have your head up and always be alert,” said Melissa Alvarez.

Zanis said in 40 days, he’ll give the crosses to the families as a way to remember their loved ones.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday asked for the observance after a gunman opened fire inside the Galveston County school, killing ten people and injuring 13 others. 

Abbott's statement is below:

"The act of evil that occurred in Santa Fe has deeply touched the core of who we are as Texans. In the midst of such tragedy, we pray for the victims and those mourning in Santa Fe, while we work to ensure swift and meaningful action to protect our students in schools across our state. I ask all Texans to join in holding a moment of silence tomorrow morning to remember the victims, their families, and first responders of the attack that took place at Santa Fe High School." 

VIDEO: Moment of silence for Santa Fe High School shooting victims


About the Authors:

Jack is a Digital Content Editor with a degree in creative writing and French from Western Michigan University. He specializes in writing about movies, food and the latest TV shows.

Reporter, family-oriented, sports fanatic, proud Houstonian.