Community remembers Charleston shooting victims

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Members of the community gathered today at St. Stephen AME Church to pray for the Charleston victims as well as those who have recently suffered from gun violence.

Clergy members from a number of congregations across the city joined in prayer. From the 49 on Orlando, to the 9 in Charleston, to a number of people in Wilmington, they prayed for an end to the violence that affects so many in our country. Pastor Wayne Johnson said it’s about coming together to pause and remember those who lost their lives.

“When we rally together, we are so much bigger than the forces of evil that seek to tear us apart and that’s why we are here today,” Johnson said.

Johnson was friends with Rev. Clementa Pinckney who lost his life in that shooting.