Vigils held in New York City after Charleston shooting, increased security at churches

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Bound by grief and leaning on faith, hundreds from churches all across Harlem prayed, marched, and finally gathered at First AME Bethel to support those suffering in Charleston.

This tragedy is personal for many even from afar and it's become a call to action to be peacemakers in the midst of hatred.

"We're out here as collective gathering to display to this community and to display to the world that we will not turn back we will not be afraid,"

A senseless killing spree inside a historic black sanctuary in Charleston prompted prayer vigils at churches across the city Thursday night.

"We call the name of Susie Jackson who was 87 years old," a pastor said.

On the front steps of Harlem's historic Abyssinian Baptist Church more than a hundred members joined together in song and prayer as show of solidarity and call to action.

"We're not only praying for them but we will be working hard to stem the tide of violence and racial violence especially," Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts said.

Reverend Dr. Calvin Butts and other clergy then led a march to neighboring First AME Bethel where a collective service was attended by dozens more from all across Harlem.

"The events of yesterday remind us oh God that there's still a long way to go," a parishioner said.

"Even in tragedy I think people must come together. I think it's important that this nation comes together even in times like these," a parishioner said.

"I was completely devastated because I was completely shocked that such an event like that could happen in such a sacred space," another parishioner said.

Now leaning on faith and praying for peace in the aftermath of an unthinkable tragedy.

"The poor young man who was responsible for these crimes should pray for his family, also but we really have to stand with our brothers and sisters at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston," Butts said.

The NYPD has been following the investigation and say there is no information to indicate any direct security implications for New York City at this time.

However, as a preliminary precautionary measure, the NYPD has notified the Patrol Services Bureau, as well as our Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Bureaus, to pay special attention to any church locations throughout the city.

Patrol resources, including Critical Response Vehicles, will conduct special-attention and directed-patrol coverage as deemed appropriate on a citywide basis. Our Intelligence Bureau will continue to maintain liaison with the various law enforcement agencies investigating the Charleston incident and assess the NYPD response accordingly.

The Reverend Al Sharpton spoke briefly at the National Action Network before leaving to travel to Charleston.

"This is by far one of the most horrendous acts that I've ever seen," he said. "To walk into a church and kill nine people in a place that should be safe is a new low in hate and atrocities in this country, and none of us are safe if we cannot go to a church for bible study."

Mayor Bill de Blasio also expressed sympathy and his condolences, in addition to calling for extra protection for New York City's African-American churches.

"It's a very, very painful moment for all of us," he said. "There's no place in New York City for this kind of hatred."