Aurora exhibit honoring victims of Pratt shooting extended two weeks

The exhibit marking the anniversary of the shootings at the Henry Pratt Co. is being extended by two weeks, Aurora Historical Society officials said Wednesday.

The somber display originally was scheduled to close Saturday, Feb. 29, at the Pierce Art and History Center at 20 E. Downer Place.

"There has been considerable interest in the exhibit," Executive Director John Jaros said in a statement. "We hope to make sure everyone who wants to pay their respects at the crosses and view the memorabilia and the thank-you posters sent to the police and fire departments will have a chance to do so."

The exhibit honors the victims of the shooting last February that claimed the lives of five Pratt employees - Russell Beyer, Vicente Juarez, Clayton Parks, Josh Pinkard and Trevor Wehner. Five Aurora police officers also were wounded before the gunman was killed.

Five white crosses, originally displayed outside the Pratt Co. to honor the victims, serve as the core of the exhibit that also includes some of the mementos people left at the scene. The gallery walls include some of the hundreds of cards from students, Scouts and others offering support for the city's first responders.

The exhibit is open noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.