‘A City United in Grief and Hope’: Baton Rouge Leaders Call for Healing at Candlelight Vigil After Mall Shooting
The gathering comes as Baton Rouge continues to process the emotional and psychological toll of the violence, which claimed the life of one victim and left others injured.
BATON ROUGE, La. — In the wake of a fatal shooting that has left a community grieving, local and state leaders are calling for unity, prayer, and healing during a candlelight vigil set for Monday evening at the Mall of Louisiana.
State Rep. C. Denise Marcelle, Mayor-President Sid Edwards, Todd Terrell — founder and president of the United Cajun Navy — and Cathy Tolliver, CEO of The Servant’s Heart Foundation, will host the vigil at 6 p.m. on April 27 near the Main Event entrance of the mall.
The gathering comes as Baton Rouge continues to process the emotional and psychological toll of the violence, which claimed the life of one victim and left others injured. Organizers say the vigil will serve as a sacred space for remembrance, support, and collective strength.
Candles will be distributed to attendees, symbolizing both mourning and hope, through a joint effort by the United Cajun Navy and Marcelle’s office.
Organizers emphasized that the vigil is not only about honoring the life lost, but also about standing with those wounded, comforting shaken employees and witnesses, and surrounding affected families with visible, unified support.
“This is more than a moment — it is a movement toward healing,” organizers said in a statement. “In the face of tragedy, we refuse to be divided by fear. We will stand together in faith, lift one another in love, and begin the work of restoring hope in our community.”
The event is open to the public and is expected to draw residents, clergy, civic leaders, and advocates committed to peace and healing. The program will include prayer, moments of silence, and opportunities for attendees to connect and support one another.
As Baton Rouge confronts yet another act of gun violence, leaders say the vigil represents both grief and resolve — a declaration that the community will not allow tragedy to have the final word.
Event Details:
- What: Candlelight Prayer Vigil
- When: Monday, April 27, 2026, at 6 p.m.
- Where: Near the Main Event entrance, Mall of Louisiana
- Hosted by: State Rep. C. Denise Marcelle; Mayor-President Sid Edwards; Todd Terrell, United Cajun Navy; Cathy Tolliver, The Servant’s Heart Foundation
Contact:
Phone: (225) 359-9362
Fax: (225) 359-9363
Email: marcelled@legis.la.gov
