East Lansdowne, Pennsylvania – A community in East Lansdowne gathered at the local elementary school for a healing event, uniting to remember the Le family. The event was organized by Mayor Majovie Bland, the Red Cross, and the William Penn School District to support the grieving community after the tragic shooting and fire that resulted in the loss of Britni McLaughlin Le, Xu Le, and their three children on February 7.
The East Lansdowne Elementary gym was transformed into a resource center, offering trauma and grief support, mental health services, and family-friendly games and activities. Joi Hopkins, a Board Director for the William Penn School District, emphasized the importance of bringing the community together in the face of such profound tragedy.
Deputy Chief Steve Castellano of the East Lansdowne Fire Department highlighted the impact of the events on first responders, sharing the challenges they faced in providing support during a complex and dangerous situation. Art educator Taiye Oladapo fondly remembered Xavier Le, the youngest child of the family, who was a student in her class for the past two and a half years, praising his creativity and passion for the arts.
Desiree Murphy-Morrissey, the Founding Director and CEO of Murphy’s Giving Market, reflected on her own experience with a fire that led her to establish a nonprofit aiding with food insecurity, underscoring the importance of community support during times of crisis. The event aimed not only to remember the Le family but also to provide a space for healing and unity among neighbors facing heartache and loss.
The gathering served as a poignant reminder of the resilience and compassion within the East Lansdowne community, showcasing the strength that can emerge in the face of adversity. Through shared grief and support, the community came together to honor the memory of the Le family and begin the process of healing together. The event emphasized the power of community connections and mutual aid in times of profound sorrow, illustrating the importance of coming together to support one another through difficult times.