East Harlem community mourns death of Officer Randolph Holder

EAST HARLEM (WABC) -- NYPD Officer Randolph Holder's murder has deeply touched the East Harlem community.

Some residents of the Wagner Houses where Officer Holder patrolled along with many others gathered Wednesday night for a special prayer and candlelight vigil.

"To see them killed violently, is hurting, is hurting," said Katie Harris, the President of Wagner Houses.

An East Harlem community is stunned and now in mourning for Officer Holder.

"There is a lot of pain and a lot of healing that we need to engage in," New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said.

From community leaders to residents of this community, they came to light candles and to place flowers near where this brave officer was gunned down.

"These men of the NYPD come out here every day in this community and save lives, and we lost yet another member of this family," said John Ruiz, a district leader.

A group of those officers, in stark silence, each stepped forward and placed a candle at the memorial, and took a few moments to remember their fallen friend.

Then in a slow and somber walk, the crowd moved to the office where Officer Holder was stationed. This was important to Desiree Graham, a resident.

"It shows unity. It shows support for family, friends, of the fallen. It shows support for the NYPD," Graham said.

The crowd also showed their support for all the officers at Public Service Area #5 they see each and every day.