Husband Of El Paso Victim Invites "Everyone" To Her Funeral, Gets Overwhelming Response

A gunman with ties to the alt-right entered a crowded Walmart store in El Paso, Texas back on August 3rd. In all, he killed 22 people and injured 24 more.

While mass shootings are far too common in the United States, the El Paso shooting was particularly violent. Its death toll makes it the deadliest mass shooting this year, and the seventh-deadliest ever.

Protesters in El Paso and beyond spoke out against the president, arguing that his rhetoric has sparked the kind of racially-fuelled attacks that have become common. But anger wasn't the only reaction.

Antonio "Tony" Basco's entire family consisted of himself and his common-law wife of 22 years. But when Margie Reckard was gunned down in the cold-blooded attack, the 61-year-old Basco was left with no one.

"When I met her, she was an angel, and she still is," said Basco. "I was supposed to be strong, but I found out I'm the weak one. We were going to live together and die together. That was our plan."

Reckard will be laid to rest this Saturday. With his soulmate gone, Basco faced the prospect of grieving alone. But he decided to try something different. He invited anyone who cared to show up to her funeral.

Ever since Perches Funeral Home in El Paso posted this, thousands of commenters have shared their condolences with Basco. While their gesture won't bring Margie Reckard back, they should help Basco to some degree.

Whether on the Facebook post or on the memorial page set up for Reckard, people from across the United States (and across the world) have offered kind words for her grieving husband.

He did just lose his only family member, but well-wishing strangers have demonstrated that human compassion goes a long way. In fact, Reckard's funeral has been moved to a larger venue because of the anticipated crowd.

Mass shootings are senseless and disturbing. But it's in these dark moments that good people emerge to do good things. Let us know what you think of this story in the comments.