AKRON, Ohio — The mass shooting in Akron that left one dead and 26 others injured is already viewed as one of the city's darkest moments, a tragedy so traumatic and profound that one of East Akron's largest churches is trying to restore some light as people struggle with where to go from here.
"What we've witnessed this past weekend is very painful, but a sobering reminder that gun violence and those that commit and perpetrated gun violence are creating some very deep wounds in the our city," Akron Police Department Captain Michael Miller said during the vigil at Arlington Church of God.
The pews in the sanctuary were packed with community leaders, activists, and residents who took the first steps in healing through prayer, music, and fellowship.
"What happened in our community is troubling. There's so many people and so many families that are going to be forever impacted by this," Akron area resident Bill Downing told 3News. "I know that God answers prayers, and I'm here to pray alongside of people who are folks of faith.”
The message from spiritual leaders is that, despite the tragedy, there is hope for a different path in Akron.
"There's a better way to do this thing called community," the Rev. Charles Myricks Jr., senior pastor, said. "A better way to respect one another and make opportunities available for our young people and not allow them to be conned into the lies that the culture feeds them about who they are.”
Wednesday’s prayer vigil is one of several happening across the city. The next one is expected to take place downtown at Burning Bush Church on Thursday at 6 p.m.