DAYTON — Several businesses in the Oregon District closed Wednesday to allow employees and the community to reflect on the mass shooting, where a gunman killed 9 victims in 2019.
Ned Pepper’s was one of those businesses. Outside the bar, the gunman was shot and killed by police in 32 seconds before he was able to make it inside.
Hole in the Wall also was closed.
“That day and the following days, weeks, months, and now years have been hard for us as we overcome the darkness that has tainted our neighborhood,” Heart Merchantile said in a Facebook post. “We will be closed to allow our staff time to grieve. Thank you for your understanding.”
>> Oregon District Shooting: 2 years later
Heart Mercantile also joined Toxic Brew and Beck + Call as some of the businesses that opted to close.
“To any one and every one affected by that awful day, know we’re thinking about you and we hope you’re doing OK,” Toxic Brew said. “Take care of yourselves and each other.”
Toxic Brew said it will be closed Wednesday and resume regular hours on Thursday.
“August 4th, 2019 started off as any busy, summer night here in the Oregon District. It did not end that way. It ended in hatred, violence, and loss,” beck + call said in a statement. “We will be closed to allow our staff time to grieve. Thank you for your understanding.”
Both beck + call and Heart Mercantile are using the day to bring awareness to gun violence and are urging people to support organizations that fight against gun violence.
Below are previous stories and investigations from News Center 7 on the Oregon District Shooting:
>>Oregon District Shooting: Stories of survival, hope, and change
>>The victims of the Oregon District Shooting
>>Oregon District Shooting: College seniors share their story of survival
>>Oregon District shooting: FBI continues combing through investigation
>>Oregon District Shooting: Ned Peppers Bouncer reflects on anniversary
>>City officials planning permanent memorial for Oregon District shooting victims
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