In Muscatine, Iowa, survivor Johnathan McFarland has spoken publicly for the first time after a devastating series of shootings left seven members of his immediate family ᴅᴇᴀᴅ, including his parents, siblings, and brothers.

At a vigil held Tuesday, McFarland thanked the community and law enforcement while struggling to process the loss of his four brothers, sister, and mother, who were killed in the attack. Police have identified 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland as the suspect in the case. Authorities say he later died by suicide after being confronted by officers, bringing the tragedy to a close.

Standing before mourners, Johnathan described the emotional weight of the situation and admitted he is still in shock.

“It’s hard to even think that this is even real. I’m still in denial,” he said.

He also acknowledged that the impact of the shootings extends beyond his own family, affecting the wider Muscatine community. He expressed graтιтude for the support he has received and said he intends to keep his loved ones in his thoughts and prayers.

“I am incredibly, incredibly thankful to have such an amazing community, friends, loved ones being here to support me during this time,” he said. “I will forever and always love and miss them dearly.”

McFarland added that he plans to continue honoring the memory of those he lost, saying their absence will remain with him for the rest of his life.

In a deeply emotional moment, he also spoke about his father, stating that his feelings of love and loss remain complicated.

“I will always love and miss my dad, no matter what is being told to me,” he said.

He closed his remarks by thanking first responders and local residents for their support during the aftermath of the tragedy.

“I have so many emotions and thoughts right now, but I just want to thank everyone again for coming and supporting, not just me but the community, my loved ones and everyone,” he said.

According to police, officers were called to reports of a shooting in the 200 block of Park Avenue in Muscatine at around 12:20 p.m. on Monday, June 1. When they arrived, they discovered four victims who had been fatally sH๏τ inside a residence. Two additional victims were later found at separate locations in the city.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the ᴅᴇᴀᴅly incident.