For many people going to a prayer vigil has helped them deal with the horror of Sunday night's shooting.
Last night, across the Las Vegas Valley, people from different faiths and beliefs gathered to provide comfort and support to each other.
Desert Companion staff writer Heidi Kyser attended one of those prayer vigils at the Guardian Angel Cathedral along Las Vegas Boulevard.
"It was a mixture of relief, sadness, and pride in the community," she said.
Among the crowd was a woman whose husband worked at Mandalay Bay. He wasn't working there that night, but she was worried about his co-workers.
There was a cab driver who dropped people off at the venue, and he didn't know what had happened to them. He said he lived alone and attended the vigil just to be around people.
Many public officials attended the vigil, including MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren. Murren expressed how heartbroken he was, but said he was proud of the people of Southern Nevada.
"Heartbroken for the families, victims and so many people who have been profoundly emotionally and physically hurt, " Murren told Kyser. "I'm angry that this could happen and so many people's lives have been forever impacted. But I'm also incredibly proud because I've seen and know first hand the courage of the first responders and Metro and fire, nurses, doctors, AMR, which transported victims, and my employees for the incredible compassion to help others and the acts of kindness that overwhelm this inhuman act."
Murren told Kyser that he believes plans put into place after the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, helped saves lives in this incident.
Clark County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak was also at the vigil. Kyser said he was emotional when he was speaking, but he too was astonished at the outpouring of support.
"There was a common theme throughout all of the remarks at the vigil," Kyser said. "To transcend our divisions, to transcend whatever our political beliefs we might have and come together."
She said there was a literal representation of that idea when the congregation stood up, held hands and sang "Let There Be Peace on Earth."
Attendees at a vigil stand and sing/Credit: Heidi Kyser
Many people in Las Vegas gathered for an interfaith service Monday night at the Guardian Angel Cathedral on Las Vegas Boulevard.
People from across the Las Vegas Valley gathered to mourn and to support others.
Clark County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak spoke to a crowd of mourners at the Guardian Angel Cathedral Monday night.
Clark County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak embraces MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren during the prayer vigil.
Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani speaks to the crowd at the vigil Monday night.
Many people in Las Vegas found solace and strength through the prayer services held around the city, including this on at Guardian Angel Cathedral, which is just a few steps from the Las Vegas Strip.
Leaders of several different faiths and beliefs gathered at the Guardian Angel Cathedral to lead the city in prayer Monday night.
Rep. Ruben Kihuean was one of several lawmakers and public figures who attended a prayer service at Guardian Angel Cathedral.
Rep. Dina Titus, D-NV., attends the prayer vigil at Guardian Angel Cathedral.
The Guardian Angel Cathedral is just steps from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. It sits in the shadow of the Encore hotel-casino.
An interfaith prayer service allowed people of all faiths and religions to come together and find strength in their faith.
Heidi Kyser, staff writer, Desert Companion
