ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - A life stolen and six others forever changed in a shooting that happened in Roanoke 25 years ago Monday.

The man who pulled the trigger was taking aim at the LGBTQ community by targeting a predominantly gay and lesbian bar known as the Backstreet Cafe.

That bar closed in 2016, but the space is still there, it just has a different name.

“It was just our home away from home,” Anna Sparks said.

Many of the memories Sparks shared came with a smile. Her time working behind the bar, playing pool with friends, and even meeting her partner all happened inside those walls.

However, on Sept. 22, 2000, there was a chapter written, that Sparks wishes had never been part of their story.

“I feel like if I had made my move, I wouldn’t be here today because he was shooting at a

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