Hundreds gathered to pray for Newtown victims

NEWTOWN, Conn. (WWLP) - As the sun set on a day of tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, hundreds gathered to pray for the victims and find strength in one another.

Nola Thomas of Waterbury, CT said, "I just came out tonight to support these beautiful children that are no longer with us."

Many joined hands in silence.

Others lit candles for the 27 victims.

"All the kids who lost their lives kindergartners too they don't deserve to, it's not fair." Said Jeff Santore of Newtown.

Concerned family and friends rushed to Newtown as news spread that a gunman had opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Jeff Trombley of New Hampshire told 22News, "My gut was just telling me that I should be down here in Connecticut with them I knew they were okay but I just wanted to be home with the family and make sure that they were more mentally doing well than they were physically."

Ashley Santore, a 7th grade student at Newtown Middle School told 22News, "We were in lockdown for like 2 hours and no one told us anything."

And even as the details of what happened Friday morning unfold, many are still struggling to understand what happened Friday morning and why so many lost their lives.