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Guns & America is a groundbreaking new national reporting collaborative in which 10 public media newsrooms, including Ideastream Public Media, will train their attention on a singular issue: the role of guns in American life. Over the course of two years, the stations will report on how guns impact us as Americans, from the cultural significance of hunting and sport shooting, to the role guns play in suicide, homicide, mass shootings and beyond. Follow our reporting at gunsandamerica.org.

After Worrying He Would Mourn Alone, Hundreds Show Up To Support Husband Of El Paso Shooting Victim

Antonio Basco greets one of the hundreds of El Pasoans who attended the funeral for his wife, Margie Reckard, who was killed in the El Paso Walmart mass shooting.
Antonio Basco greets one of the hundreds of El Pasoans who attended the funeral for his wife, Margie Reckard, who was killed in the El Paso Walmart mass shooting.

Antonio Basco lost his only close relative in the mass shooting in El Paso, Texas. But he did not mourn her alone.

Basco’s wife of 22 years, Margie Reckard, was killed at the Walmart. He told the funeral home planning the service for his spouse that he wanted to invite members of the public to attend her visitation.

Hundreds turned out to the visitation Friday night to support Basco, grieve after tragedy and remember a woman many did not know.

Antonio Basco touches the casket of his wife Margie Reckard during her funeral at La Paz Faith Center in El Paso, Texas Friday, August 16, 2019.

Jonathan Levinson / OPB

The funeral home handling arrangements posted an appeal for mourners on Facebook. It quickly rocketed across the Internet. After thousands expressed interest, the funeral home moved the scheduled ceremony to a larger space, a nondenominational church.

Mourners pay their respects at Margie Reckard’s funeral at La Paz Faith Center on Friday, August 16, 2019 in El Paso, Texas.

Jonathan Levinson / OPB

Hundreds filled the church to capacity. Hundreds more waited outside in summer heat.

Veterans’ motorcycle groups hold American flags and mourners wait outside of Margie Reckard’s funeral at La Paz Faith Center in El Paso, Texas Friday, August 16, 2019.

Jonathan Levinson / OPB

Strangers from all over the world sent flowers or donated to help Basco with expenses.

Antonio Basco sits with a member of the community during his wife Margie Reckard’s funeral at La Paz Faith Center in El Paso, Texas Friday, August 16, 2019.

Jonathan Levinson / OPB

Reckard, 63, was one of 22 people killed after a gunman opened fire at a Walmart on Aug. 3.

Guns & America is a public media reporting project on the role of guns in American life.

Copyright 2019 Guns and America. To see more, visit Guns and America.

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