Security High Priority For Vigil Honoring Winthrop Rampage Victims Dave Green And Ramona Cooper
WINTHROP (CBS) – Security was tight for a vigil Thursday to honor the two victims of last weekend's rampage in Winthrop.
Air Force veteran Ramona Cooper and retired Massachusetts State Trooper Dave Green, who were both Black, were shot and killed June 26 by Nathan Allen, according to investigators. They say Allen may have been an anti-Semitic white supremacist. He was shot and killed by Winthrop Police.
"After last weekend, some people might have some hesitation and might be wondering if they're safe, so we're here to assure them and make sure they feel they are safe," Winthrop Police Chief Terence Delehanty said.
There were no specific threats against the candlelight vigil but the chief said no backpacks, handbags, coolers or bags of any kind will be allowed.
Snow plows and other barricades were put in place around the area where the vigil was held.
Police especially wanted to protect victims' relatives who planned to speak to the crowd.
"I think a lot of healing needs to happen, so I'm just thankful that the town of Winthrop is doing this," said Aria Ray Green. His brother, Trooper Dave Green, was shot to death Saturday.
The District Attorney says Dave Green and Ramona Cooper may have been targeted because they are black.
"I don't believe there's any such thing as a hate crime, and any time someone does something violent to somebody, that's a crime," said Aria Green. "Don't focus on that. Focus on my brother's legacy, which was the people that loved him, and how he loved people."
Police are investigating Allen as a possible anti-Semitic white supremacist. According to WBZ I-Team sources, police have been digging deeper into his background, and going through the marsh behind his apartment, after a dog walker found ammunition and a prescription bottle with his name on it there.
Winthrop Police shot and killed Allen in a confrontation that started when he slammed into a building with a truck he stole.
The head of Temple Tifereth Israel said Allen was believed to be heading for the temple as his ultimate target.
"Maybe he wanted to target the Jewish community, but people of color came into his way first," said rabbinic intern Joshua Shreiber. "He was targeting us all."