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Hundreds gather at Norfolk church for vigil honoring Charleston shooting victims

Posted at 11:23 PM, Jun 22, 2015
and last updated 2015-06-22 23:23:14-04

Norfolk, Va. - Hundreds gathered at Saint John’s AME Church in Norfolk Monday night to remember the nine victims of the Charleston shooting.

During the lively prayer service, people sang and prayed. They read the names of the victims and said they didn’t die in vain.

There were several calls to end gun violence and to take down the Confederate flag at the South Carolina state capitol.

Those at the service say they hope the Charleston community can find peace.

“We ask during this period of time that you just comfort them,” said local pastor Dr. Robert Murray.

“I want ya’ll to learn to forgive. Trust in God and he’ll see you through,” said Newport News community activist Andrew Shannon.

A local bishop said he talked with Norfolk Police and said officers will change their patrols to check black churches more often on Sundays and Wednesday nights when there’s Bible study.

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Reports: Shooting reported at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston; multiple fatalities