Hundreds gather for Aurora prayer vigil

Close to 300 people gathered in Aurora Friday evening for a prayer vigil, meeting across the street from the movie theater where 12 people were killed and 58 injured.

“(We’re) putting our arms around each other and loving each other,” said Aurora resident Debbie Fritcher. “That’s what needs to happen more for these kinds of things to not take place. We need to love each other, we need to take care of each other.”

Many at the vigil had personal ties to the shootings. Jordan McDonald said he had friends in both of the theaters that were sprayed with bullets. One of his friends was shot in the leg.

“He’s home safe, he’s with his family,” said McDonald.

McDonald said that he almost joined his friends to see “The Dark Knight Rises” when they offered him an extra ticket. He said he decided to spend time with his family at the last minute.

“I just thank God I made that decision,” McDonald said. “That gut feeling, ‘I don’t know if I want to go tonight.'”

McDonald’s father was one of the Aurora pastors involved with planning the vigil, along with state Rep. Rhonda Fields.

“This is the least I can do- come show my support, send out my prayers,” said McDonald. “Because somebody has lost a child, a brother, a sister, a cousin. And it’s just by the grace of God I’m standing here talking to you right now.”