Hundreds of people marched outside of Ball Event Center on February 26, 2017 and then held a prayer vigil following the tragic killing of Olathe friend, co-worker and neighbor to many, Srinivas Kuchibhotila. After the march, many mourners made their way into the ballroom while chanting, “United we are strong, divided we are weak.”
Alok Madasani, best friend of Kuchibhotila who suffered gunshot wounds during the tragedy spoke at the vigil. “The main reason I’m here is that’s what my best friend, Srinivas, would have done,” said Madasani. “He would have been here for me.”
The Kansas City community in general – especially Olathe residents – have been in somewhat of a state of shock since the shooting which occurred in the normally peaceful Johnson County suburb. Supporters from throughout Kansas City as well as mourners from out of state and out of the the country came to Ball Event Center to show unity and strength.
“It was rage and malice in an individual’s heart that killed my friend… killed our friend,” said Madasani. “It’s an isolated incident that doesn’t reflect the true spirit of Kansas, Midwest and United States.”
Candles were lit as religious leaders from various multiple faiths conducted the prayer vigil which ended on a solemn yet hopeful note with the playing of the song Imagine by John Lennon.
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