MADISON (WKOW) — Community members honored those lost and hurt in the deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School through a candlelight vigil hosted at the Wisconsin State Capitol Tuesday night.
The Boys and Girls Club of Dane County put on the event with the help of other community organizations. Lindsay Broms is the Senior Vice President for the club, which supports youth and their families. She said that's one of the reasons why the organization hosted the event.
It was a solemn night. People of all ages gathered at the Capitol to share comforting words, resources and a shoulder to lean on.
"It's important that we remain strong and unified and continue to show that we care," said Jackson Ida, a junior at Monona Grove High School. "I don't personally know anyone that was hurt or injured, but I know as a community, we're mourning. I wanted to show up just to show my support and to be with the people I care about."
Ida said his class went on a brief lockdown after the news was reported Monday. He said people were scared, and the return to school the next day felt different.
"The whole situation is just kind of unnerving. It's a lot to think about," he said. "I was worried for myself, for my friends and for the people at Abundant Life [Christian School]."
Both students and teachers are processing the tragedy.
"It hit a little harder than it has in the past, just because now, I work with students very regularly. And like, you know, you don't think about it happening where you live, and now it happened where I live," Sam Heesacker, a student teacher, said.
People at Tuesday night's vigil set up their own memorials with flowers and candles. They also wrote messages on crosses for the teacher and student who were killed.
"Madison is a community that really knows how to come together in times of strife," Heesacker said.
"Everyone's sad, maybe a little scared, but it is overall a positive environment where we all just want to be able to help each other recover," Ida said.
Those who want to donate can through United Way of Dane County. More information can be found here.
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