ELK GROVE, Calif. — Dozens of Elk Grove residents gathered outside of city hall Thursday evening to remember the victims killed in the New Zealand shootings last week.
"I did not expect this many people to come," said Elk Grove resident, Naema Ali. "It was amazing, and the prayers really brought tears to my eyes. I was like wow, people really respect this, because I always feel like I have to defend myself."
Ali told ABC10 she was surprised to see the outpouring of support from non-Muslims.
"I lost two family members myself from that, but after coming out here and seeing that people of all colors, all races, all religions out here supporting – it just felt like, wow, we're not alone."
Melissa Irelan, who's lived in Elk Grove for 25 years, said she felt helpless when she heard about the tragedy in New Zealand and didn't think twice to attend Thursday's remembrance event.
"I really feel compelled to join with the community and just show that I care," Irelan said.
Elk Grove Steve Ly said he was proud of the people in his city who united to take a stance against hate.
"Whenever we see acts of violence, acts of racism, we need to stand and call it out for what it is," Ly added. "Be brave and stand in support of inclusion and diversity."
On Saturday, March 23 the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) will host a night of hope and healing at Sacramento State University from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more details, click here.
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After a shooting that killed 50 in New Zealand, the Folsom Muslim community received an outflow of support in the form of cards, flowers, and letters that reminded them that their neighbors in the city are there to support them in difficult times.