Religious leader reacts to Akron mass shooting

CLEVELAND — The Akron community is recovering from the horrific mass shooting.

In the East Akron neighborhood, several people say they heard gunshots ring out just after midnight. Community members said there have been numerous shootings in the area recently. A local resident said they were missing even though there was more police presence in the area.

Nearby at Zion Baptist Church, the Rev. Mark Ward, pastor of the church, prayed over the tragedy.

“We are aware of the tragedies all over the city, but here on the east side, not only are we pastors, but we live here, and we just pray for the community,” Ward said.

The church is less than a kilometer from the scene of the shooting.

“My heart is heavy and hurting today and we are just trying to encourage the congregation today not to lose heart,” Ward said.

Ward said they will soon hold a prayer vigil on the church grounds.

“We will let the community know that we need to come together and just pray for this tragedy, pray for all the families involved,” Ward said.

“I just want to say to the city, let's pray for each other, because what happened last night here on the east side can happen in any part of the city, in any neighborhood, any ethnicity,” Ward said.