Aurora Marks 7th Anniversary of Henry Pratt Tragedy

Memorial ceremony held at Aurora City Hall to honor victims

Feb. 20, 2026 at 12:31pm

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A memorial ceremony was held in Aurora, Illinois on February 15, 2026 to mark the 7th anniversary of the Henry Pratt tragedy, where five people lost their lives in a mass shooting at the Henry Pratt manufacturing plant.

Why it matters

The Henry Pratt tragedy was a devastating event that shook the Aurora community and sparked nationwide conversations about workplace violence, gun control, and mental health. Holding an annual memorial service helps the community heal and remember those who were lost.

The details

The memorial ceremony took place at Aurora City Hall and featured speeches from local officials and community leaders. Photographs of the five victims - Josh Pinkard, Vicente Juarez, Clayton Parks, Russell Beyer, and Trevor Wehner - were displayed, and the city lowered flags to half-staff to honor their memory.

  • The memorial ceremony was held on February 15, 2026, the 7th anniversary of the Henry Pratt tragedy.

The players

Henry Pratt

The manufacturing plant where the 2019 mass shooting took place, resulting in the deaths of 5 employees.

Josh Pinkard, Vicente Juarez, Clayton Parks, Russell Beyer, Trevor Wehner

The five victims who lost their lives in the 2019 Henry Pratt shooting.

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What they’re saying

“We must never forget the lives lost on that tragic day, and we must continue to work towards creating a safer, more just society.”

— Mayor Richard Irvin, Mayor of Aurora

What’s next

The city of Aurora plans to continue holding annual memorial services to honor the victims of the Henry Pratt tragedy and raise awareness about workplace violence and gun control issues.

The takeaway

The Henry Pratt tragedy was a devastating event that deeply impacted the Aurora community, but by coming together each year to remember the victims, the city is able to heal and recommit itself to creating a safer, more just society.