Vigil set for sailor killed on duty at Camp Pendleton

Members of San Diego's gay community plan a candlelight vigil outside Camp Pendleton tonight in honor of Navy Seaman August Provost, killed while on sentry duty at the sprawling base.

Provost, 29, of Houston, was shot to death at the Navy's landing-craft compound adjacent to Interstate 5. His body was found about 3 a.m. June 30.

Navy officials have said there is no evidence that Provost was killed because he was gay or that the killing was linked to terrorism or gang activity. A sailor is being held, but no charges have been filed and no motive for the slaying has been revealed.

Tina Leight-Roades, a board member of the North (San Diego) County Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transsexual Coalition, said the vigil is meant to show the military that "we are not going to let this one go until we have answers."

The vigil is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. outside the base at Monterey Drive and North Coast Highway in Oceanside. Provost was buried Friday in Houston.

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Comments

[Inthenavy]

What do they mean they're not going to let this one go. This is why minorities and gays still have problems in this country. They're only interested in something if it has something to do with their lifestyle. A lot of people are killed in this country. Why don't you hold candle light vigils for all of them? You're not special. Why does it take the killing of someone like you to get you to stand up for something. Why don't you protest when a straight white male is killed? It's just as tragic. I for one will never treat anyone in the gay community or the minority community equally as long as they continue this divisive behavior. Work for equality for all and then I will. Everyone is equal, you are not special so stop fighting for special treatment.