R’Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas who competition officials said is the first Filipino American to win Miss USA, was crowned Miss Universe on Saturday night.
Ms Gabriel closed her eyes and clasped hands with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, at the moment of the dramatic reveal of the winner, then beamed after her name was announced.
The second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez.
In the Q&A at the last stage of the competition for the three finalists, Ms Gabriel was asked how she would work to demonstrate Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organisation” if she was to win.
“I would use it to be a transformational leader,” she responded, citing her work using recycled materials in her fashion design and teaching sewing to survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence.
“It is so important to invest in others, invest in our community and use your unique talent to make a difference.
“We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change.”
“Any shooting incident is unacceptable, but for multiple people, including two children, to be injured in a shooting in the middle of a Saturday afternoon is shocking,” said the police Superintendent Ed Wells.
“An investigation into this dreadful attack is already well under way involving local officers and specialist detectives,” he added.
A witness told MyLondon the shots were fired as mourners who had attended the mass watched doves being released afterwards.
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