MUSKOGEE, Okla. — The Muskogee community held a vigil to honor the victims of the deadly shooting on Tuesday that killed six people, including five children.
GALLERY: Photos of the victims killed in Muskogee
The candlelight vigil took place Wednesday evening at the Gazebo in front of the Muskogee Civic Center. Mayor Marlon Coleman declared the day as a "Dedicated Time of Prayer or Meditation."
Jarron Pridgeon is accused of killing five young children and his brother in Muskogee. Pridgeon now faces multiple charges, including six counts of first-degree murder.
READ MORE: Man accused of killing 6, including 5 children, in Muskogee is charged with murder
The pain of Tuesday morning’s tragedy stretched much further than the neighborhood; taking a toll on the mayor himself.
“I don’t think there are any words that can express what you feel when you hear that,” Coleman said.
He said Wednesday that he is struggling to comprehend the horrific event. However, he’s moved by how those near and far are reaching out in support.
“These people are stepping up. We’re not having to reach out to say, ‘Do you want to help?’ They’re coming to us saying, ‘How can we help,’” Coleman said.
From churches outside of Muskogee to mental health services offering support to first responders, Coleman said the support coming from outside the city is helping the town heal.
“I think it speaks volumes to the people we have in Muskogee and the nature of our country in terms of this tragedy," he said.
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