Cielo Vista Walmart store now re-opens Nov. 14 with permanent shooting memorial
EL PASO, Texas -- The reopening of El Paso's Cielo Vista Walmart store, where 22 people were killed on Aug. 3, will now take place Nov. 14 at 9 a.m.
The retail giant made the announcement Tuesday, one day after ABC-7 reported that the original target date of Nov. 6 had been delayed.
As part of the reopening, Walmart on Tuesday also unveiled a rendering showing the design for a permanent on-site memorial plaza honoring the shooting victims. Called the "Grand Candella," the memorial will be located in the south-side parking lot at the renovated Cielo Vista store.
"The 30-foot high Grand Candela will stand as a tribute to each of the lives lost on August 3rd and a testament to the light of hope that radiates from the El Paso community,” said Walmart vice president Todd Peterson.
Walmart is facing lawsuits from some Aug. 3 shooting victims and their families alleging that the retailer lacked adequate security at Cielo Vista. Walmart has responded in court filings by saying that accused gunman Patrick Crusius, and not the store, is to blame for the tragedy.
