(Rochester, N.Y) -- The Rochester Police Department's clergy response team and concerned neighbors gathered for a vigil near the scene where Officer Anthony DiPonzio was shot Saturday afternoon.
Rabbi Philip Goldstein said, "We're here for his well-being now. We can't do anything more for what has happened, but to pray to God."
They also prayed for the suspect and expressed frustration with violence.
Rev. Deloris Simpson said, “These neighborhoods are not safe. If they would shoot a police officer, what would they do to you and me?”
Simpson made a plea to the family of the 14-year-old boy that officers are looking for in connection with the shooting. Police are calling him a potential suspect, who might not have pulled the trigger, but might have information that could help them solve the case.
“[The family] can call me to take him or them down there, with his mother, or with family members, so he can turn himself in,” she said.
Neighbors React with Fear and Hope
A small strip of crime scene tape is the only physical remnant left of the shooting on the street, but, neighbors like Susan Lynch say the community is forever changed.
"It made me really frightened for my kids and my family," she said.
Lynch said she brought her two children to the vigil to show them the importance of community and show respect for the officer, “to let him know we care and we're here praying for him.”
Another neighbor, Brian Jones, said the vigil gave him a chance to encourage others to change.
“Even though it's hard, you just have to look inside yourself and do better,” he said
The group seeks a peaceful end to a violent crime.
