Vigils, Rallies Across Baltimore For Charleston Shooting
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The suspect in the Charleston church massacre remains behind bars, as disturbing details continue to emerge about the case.
Christie Ileto with how local churches are increasing security in the wake of the attack in Charleston.
Churches anchor almost every corner in Baltimore, meaning what happened in Charleston could have happened here.
"We got word that there was a gunman on the loose," said Rev. Donte Hickman, Southern Baptist Church.
Baltimore pastor Donte Hickman was at a conference in Charleston when a gunman slaughtered nine people praying inside a black church, heightening security concerns for pastors across the country.
"We have an open door policy here. Individuals can come into the church at any time," said Rev. Duane Simmons, Simmons Memorial Baptist Church.
Ileto: "Do you think you'll be a lot tighter with this open door policy now that this has happened?"
Simmons: "Oh yeah, most definitely."
Sandtown's Simmons Memorial Baptist Church is already laced with heavy security during services and bible study, but some city clergy wonder if the basics are enough.
"Do we have to now have discussions about screening people for weapons and guns when they go into the house of worship?" said Lisa Harvin, clergy. "Unfortunately, we're living in an age where we may have to, in fact, do that."
Rallies, prayer circles and candlelight vigils canvass the city, remembering a massacre that could have easily happened on one of our blocks.
Stay with WJZ for the latest on the church massacre in South Carolina.
