By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN — Local and state officials calling for unity have organized a candlelight vigil Thursday in remembrance of two Hispanic men fatally wounded in a Saturday shooting at a restaurant.

The event, facilitated by Georgetown Mayor Bill West, state Rep. Ruth Briggs King and state Sen. Brian Pettyjohn will be held on The Circle, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Armando Vicente Chilel Lopez, 31, of Georgetown, and Honorio Velasquez, 28, of Bridgeville, were the victims in the incident at El Nopalito Restaurant on North DuPont Boulevard.

“Anytime there is something like this, it doesn’t matter what part of the community it is, it just helps to bring everybody together, … to support the families and the community in general,” said Rep. Briggs King.

Mayor West added, “It doesn’t matter what race, what nationality, we are all human beings. And in a time of need, we come together. This will be the start of the healing process that will make us a better town and a better community.”

Delaware State Police said two Hispanic male suspects in connection with the shooting remain at large.

According to DSP’s investigation, a group of Hispanic males was asked to leave the premises of the restaurant Saturday, after they became disorderly and had engaged in a dispute with other patrons.

Two of the males asked to leave returned to the business, both wearing masks, police said. One suspect approached Mr. Lopez and removed a necklace from his neck, and when Mr. Lopez lunged at him, a second suspect pulled a handgun from his waistband and shot him, according to authorities.

As the suspects then fled, the second fired a round into the dining area, striking Mr. Velasquez, police added. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr. Lopez was transported to an area hospital, where he died.

Details for the vigil are being finalized, Mayor West said, with 200 candles ordered. “But I know we’re going to have way more (people),” he said. “So if anybody is willing to bring some candles, we’d greatly appreciate it.”

Rep. Briggs King continued, “And I’m sure we’ll try and reach out, if they had a religious affiliation, to have somebody from the community that would speak.”