The American Civic Association building
/ file photo
BINGHAMTON (AP) -- The American Civic Association is closed, still adorned by piles of flowers left in memory of the 13 victims killed by a gunman, but civic leaders vow it will reopen.
"As hard as it seems right now, I think the center, with the community's support, is strong enough to withstand even a tragedy of this magnitude," said Mark Kachadourian, a Binghamton lawyer who has been a board member since 2001. "If it were to close because the gunman did this, it would be a tragedy upon a tragedy."
Police say Jiverly Wong went on a homicidal rampage through the center Friday, opening fire on a class of immigrants taking an English class. After killing 13 people, Wong killed himself, police said.
The center is a member agency of the United Way of Broome County and has helped immigrants assimilate in Binghamton area since 1939, when shoe factory jobs attracted overseas workers. The center helps new arrivals find housing, food, clothing, medical care and jobs. It helps set up immigrants in apartments with donated furniture, and even provides pictures for green cards.
Angela Leach, president of the association's board, said this weekend that they are "more dedicated than ever to help people realize the dream of American citizenship." The sentiment is shared by board members, local officials and leaders in the immigrant community.
But with the tragedy so fresh, it's unclear how long it will take to reopen the doors. On Monday, Mayor Matt Ryan said the cleanup was finished but there's been no decision on when to reopen and officials are taking into account the psychological effect the shootings will have on staff and clients.
"I think there's going to be enough momentum to continue the good work they've been doing," said Ehtisham Siddiqui of the Islamic Organization of the Southern Tier. "It's going to take some time."
Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith announced Sunday that the state was providing a $100,000 grant to the center.
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
