Vigil for victims held in New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) – Dozens of supporters came together on Monday night for a vigil in New Bedford to remember the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

The reverend of the Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford said that people need answers and healing after the Connecticut Shooting. People of different faiths came to the service to find comfort in the wake of the tragedy.

• Photos: Southern NE Pays Tribute To Sandy Hook

To begin the vigil, the names and ages of the victims were read aloud.

Reverend David Lima says the vigil is a way the south coast can comfort one another, “It’s a time to come together to just mourn together, to grieve together, to get strength from the community,” said Reverend Lima.

Condolence cards were collected and the city of New Bedford is sending a condolence book to the Newtown community to show unity.

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The mayor and others say this is a time of sharing and support, “There is no need for political discussion or policy, leave that for another day,” said New Bedford mayor Jon Mitchell.

“It’s not just a Facebook world or a texting world, human beings need each other,” said local mom Deidre Gillespie.

Dozens of people came together as a community to express their grief, anger, and fears and to let the people of Newtown, Connecticut know they are not alone.