Even on a day filled with heartbreaking stories, the occasional bit of good news pokes through.

As our photographer Marla Keown and I headed back this afternoon from Gateway High School — where we tried talk to people connected to Friday’s movie theater massacre — we spotted some of that good news.

Perched on top of an electrical box under a sweltering sun, 11-year-old Brendon Hutchinson was clutching a bright yellow sign at East Exposition Avenue and South Sable Boulevard.

The sign said: “Thoughts and prayers with everyone impacted by this tragedy.” In the corner, it said “R.I.P.”

The intersection is just a stone’s throw from the Century 16 Theater where 12 people were killed and another 59 wounded when a gunman opened fire on a crowded movie theater.

Hutchinson, who lives in the area and said he goes to movies at Century, said he decided to head to the intersection to show some support for the people in the theater.

“I felt really bad for the people that lost their lives today,” he said as cars zoomed past on Sable.

So far, the reaction to the pre-teen do-gooder has been positive.

“I get people that honk, I get a few thumbs up,” he said.

99 replies on “Boy’s sign a bright spot on dark day”

  1. Thank you for showing compassion and concern in moments when most media focus on gore.  This is exceptional journalism!

  2. What do I tell an 11 year old when he’s asking , Mom why did that guy do that? I didn’t have an answer to his question, so he thought of showing his support by making this awesome supporting sign. I’m very proud of this little person that always thinks of everyone else before he thinks of himself. Thank you God for giving me the opportunity to be his mother.

  4. This was a great opinion piece. I agree that his expression of compassion is indeed a bright spot in this whole tragic event.  Sending thoughts of peace and healing to Aurora from Oregon.

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