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GILROY, CA — The executive director of the Gilroy Garlic festival said he will resign after leading the festival for 14 years. Brian Bowe announced his resignation in a statement Friday, a little less than five months after a mass shooting at this year’s festival that left four people dead, including the suspected gunman.
“It’s been an honor to serve as Executive Director for the Gilroy Garlic Festival for 14 years, and I am immensely proud of all the Festival has done to support the local community,” Bowe said in the statement. “After much introspection, I truly believe that the Festival will benefit from a fresh perspective in the Executive Director position. I am looking forward to what my future holds.”
SEE ALSO: Lawsuit: Security Failings Led To Gilroy Garlic Festival Shooting; Gilroy Browns Cheerleading Team Soars In Bid For National Title
Last month, five injured victims filed a lawsuit against festival organizers, alleging that lax security measures allowed the gunman to sneak onto the festival grounds. The victims are seeking damages above $25,000.
The gunman, 19-year-old Santino William Legan, cut through a fence to get to the festival grounds before the shooting on July 28. He fatally shot a 6-year-old boy, a 13-year-old girl and a 25-year-old man before killing himself as police confronted him.
Next year’s garlic festival is scheduled for July 24-26, 2020.
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