SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — In the wake of the public library shooting that left an 18-year-old man dead earlier this week, the city of Shaker Heights hosted a mental health support event for the community Thursday evening.

The event was held at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Center. Shaker Heights police, fire, the city’s First Call crisis assistance program, clergy, and representatives of local mental health organizations offered support, saying, “Together we can heal and strengthen our community.”

There was overview of the shooting that happened on Tuesday, coping strategies for stress, and resources to help the community going forward.

On Tuesday, Shaker Heights police said a 15-year-old boy allegedly shot and killed 18-year-old Charles L. Shanklin during a fight inside the city’s library.

Shaker Heights Councilwoman Tenille Kaus posted on social media that her daughter was in the library during the shooting. She expressed that while she and her daughter “are shaken,” their love and passion for the library remains, calling it the heart and soul of the community.

She shared that her resolve is to enact policies to combat gun violence, because thoughts and prayers are not enough.

“My prayers and my future actions are with the families and friends of the victim, the shooter, the library workers, our first responders, and all those at the library during the shooting,” Kaus said. “If you know me, you know I strongly support common-sense gun laws.”

3News also spoke with violence prevention specialist Augustine Turner, who was in the library during the gunfire.

“Everyone’s gonna feel emotional, right?” she said. “This is something tragic that has happened in our community. We have the right to feel that way. But the main thing is what happens next?”

As founder of the organization Mentors 4 Minorities, Turner said youth programming is one of the most important ways to stop such tragedies from happening again.

“I’m working to stop the violence and create a difference in a community through mentorship, workforce development, community leadership and teaching young adults how to sustain themselves in society,” she explained.

Monica Boone was also inside the library when the shooting happened.

“It started like any other day,” Boone said. “Had no clue that it was going to change drastically—and that we would have a memory we’ll be carrying with us for the rest of our lives.”

Boone is still trying to process what happened.

“I have moments I want to cry,” Boone said. “And then moments I just want to continue to be strong — and that’s what I’m working on.”

To help those affected by the violence, Sharri Thomas, co-founder of Rivers in the Desert and a former EMT, brought her mobile trauma response unit to the library.

“We knew that we needed to do something to help,” Thomas said. “People feel comfortable when they come here. We give them time to cry, to grieve, to laugh. If they just want to sit and be quiet, they can. It’s a very safe space—a place where community can heal together.”

Despite the trauma, Boone says it’s important not to let fear win.

“We can’t let these incidents scare us away from participating and enjoying the activities and resources that are available to us here,” she said.

The Shaker Heights Public Library is expected to reopen Saturday.

In regards to the mental health event, Shaker Heights Councilwoman Nancy Moore sent 3News the following statement:

“Tonight’s event is really an opportunity for healing, as a community. It’s an opportunity for residents to express their feelings, exchange ideas, and talk to clergy and mental health professionals who want to assist as people process this trauma.

“Tonight’s event is not a policy or strategic planning session. In the weeks and months ahead, there will be certainly be discussions, at the City government level and by the Library’s leadership, about safety, violence, positive opportunities for youth, and much more.”