RICHMOND, Va. -- Around 100 people gathered in Monroe Park for a candlelight vigil Saturday evening in memory of the at least 158 people killed in Tuesday’s massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon.
Along with music and moments of silence, attendees also took turns saying the names of those that were killed.
Organizers urged people to donate to non-profits to help with relief efforts like the Red Cross instead of the Lebanese government.
Attendees also criticized that county's current administration.
Fury over Beirut blast fuels protests, clashes with police
Public fury over this week’s massive explosion took a new turn in Beirut as protesters stormed government institutions and clashed for hours with security forces, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.
One police officer was killed and dozens of people hurt Saturday in the confrontations, which played out in streets that were wrecked from Tuesday’s blast.
The explosion at the port devastated much of the Lebanese capital.
Dozens were still missing and nearly 6,000 people injured.
The disaster has taken popular anger to a new level in a country already reeling from an economic and financial crisis and near bankruptcy.
