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Citywide Prayer Vigil For Victims Of Charleston Shooting

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The young man police say targeted a pastor and eight parishioners in a mass shooting is back in South Carolina to face murder charges.

Christie Ileto has the impact on a Baltimore religious community with close ties to Emmanuel A.M.E.

While tragedy strikes Charleston, the pain is felt right here in Baltimore.

They gather in prayer at Bethel A.M.E.

"This is one of the oldest A.M.E. churches. And just like down there, it was like, 'Wow. This could have been us,'" said Delores Maddox.

The reality that a gunman executing nine people at a black Charleston church could have happened anywhere.

"I cried. I cried for him," said Reverend Frank Reid.

Rev. Reid--devastated to learn his friend, Rev. Clementa Pickney of Emmanuel AME, is one of the nine.

"It was a reminder that terrorism in America is real," he said.

Baltimore pastor Dante Hickman was at a church conference nearby in Charleston when the blood bath began.

"We were led by the police, or protected by the police, as we exited the church--some 1,000 people," he said.

As the feds probe for a motive, the question being raised is--should clergy be armed while in places of worship?

"I can't imagine toting a gun up the aisle," said Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori.

But Archbishop Lori does welcome increased security.

"That's supposed to be the haven. And for me, it still is," said Lisa Harvin.

Lisa Harvin's faith remains unshaken, like much of the congregation now praying for healing in Charleston.

"I'm hoping the message that goes out is that this is just not a black thing, but this is a community thing," said Harvin.

Clergy hope this incident won't prompt people to feel the need to arm themselves before they attend services.

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