Round Rock Remembers Victims, Boosts Security Ahead of Juneteenth Fest

Round Rock is preparing for its annual Juneteenth celebration, a weekend event meant to bring the community together in a spirit of healing and unity. Police Chief Allen Banks made it clear that last year’s tragedy, a shooting that left two women dead, was not a direct attack on the celebration itself but a conflict between two groups of people that turned catastrophic. The victims, 54-year-old Ara Duke and 33-year-old Lyndsey Vicknair, were innocent bystanders, and their deaths remain a solemn reminder of the human cost of violence, as reported by KVUE.

This year’s event, which starts Friday with a Taste Barbecue cookoff, will proceed with additional safety measures in place. According to city officials, there will be an increase in visible police presence, alongside crowd-monitoring technologies such as SkyWatch towers, drones, and on-site medical teams. The celebration’s size is also set to be somewhat scaled back due to ongoing voter-approved bond projects in Old Settlers Park. Mayor Craig Morgan stressed the importance of honoring the two women’s memories and other victims, emphasizing the role the community’s unity can play in healing. Security plans have been updated, although metal detectors will not be used due to the multiple entry points into the park.

While the city cannot erase the tragedy of last year, both the Police Chief and Mayor made it clear that they are focusing on prevention and honoring the lives that were lost. “We cannot control evil, but we can be a force for safety and peace during this celebration,” Banks said. The revamped approach underscores the delicate balance between preserving community traditions and strengthening safeguards for those in attendance, reflecting the ongoing need for vigilance, reflection, and collective responsibility.For more information on gun violence in Texas, visit the RA News Gun Violence Watch page.