Our Statement of Solidarity
We offer our condolences to everyone affected by yesterday’s senseless shooting at the Valley Transportation Authority’s (VTA) Guadalupe Light Rail Yard in San Jose. The attacker claimed nine lives of his colleagues before taking his own life. The details of this tragedy are still unfolding and there are still unanswered questions, but this horrible act of violence serves as yet another reminder of the need for both sensible gun laws and investments in mental and behavioral health services. Our hearts also go out to our friends and partners at the VTA who have been so kind to us and the LGBTQ community over the years. We would like to thank the first responders for their quick action and offer our deepest sympathies and support to the victims of this attack, along with their families, colleagues, friends, and the greater community.
You can find VTA’s statement here.
The Vigil
A vigil is planned for May 27 at 6 p.m. at San Jose City Hall Plaza at 200 East Santa Clara Street. The vigil will be live-streamed by NBC Bay Area here.
Today we mourn the lives lost in this tragic event: Paul Delacruz Megia, 42; Taptejdeep Singh, 36; Adrian Balleza, 29; Jose Dejesus Hernandez, 35; Timothy Michael Romo, 49; Michael Joseph Rudometkin, 40; Abdolvahab Alaghmandan, 63; Lars Kepler Lane, 63; and Alex Ward Fritch, 49.
Qmunity District Lights in Memoriam
We have changed the colors of the LED lighting in the Qmunity District to the VTA blue brand colors in memoriam. They will remain those colors through the end of May.
Resources Available to Individuals Affected
If you or a loved one was affected by the shooting, here are some resources that can help:
Mental Health Support for the General Community
- The Behavioral Health Services Call Center
- 1-800-704-0900 (select option 2)
- The Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 1-855-278-4204 (see attached social media image)
- Or text RENEW to 741741 (text services available in English only)
Family Assistance Center for Impacted Victims, Family Members, and Witnesses:
The District Attorney’s Victim Services Unit, the American Red Cross, and the County’s Behavioral Health Services Department have opened a Family Assistance Center at the Red Cross – 2731 N. 1st Street, San Jose, CA, (408) 209-8356. Services at the Family Assistance Center are available to victims, family members, witnesses, and others who may have been impacted by this tragic event.
Services to be provided at this location include grief counseling and emotional support; assistance filing claims for state funds for payment of medical bills, counseling bills, and other assistance for victims and their families; and referrals to agencies and providers for medical, counseling, and other services. These services are available:
- Thursday, May 27, 2021, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday, May 27, 2021, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Telehealth Counseling Services
Telehealth counseling services are also available for the same hours listed above via Zoom, as well as 8am-5pm on Saturday & Sunday:
https://sccgov-org.zoom.us/j/99520670342
For phone access to Zoom Telehealth Counseling:
(669) 219-2599 or (669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 995 2067 0342
