Mourners pray for those killed in San Bernardino massacre

The sound of song and prayer filled the air at a candlelight vigil outside the San Bernardino County Land Use building.

Ten of the 14 people who died in last week’s massacre worked for the county and were members of SEIU 721, a local union for Southern California public service workers.

Today was the first day back for county employees like Judyth Scott, a social worker who has been working in San Bernardino for 18 years.

“It’s just the fact that it happened in our community, it happened to our San Bernardino County community, and to just feel a deep sense of sadness and sympathy and heartbreak,” said Scott.

Union officials and local religious leaders took to the podium at the vigil.

“We are going o be able to lift out of this tragic situation, and become stronger and united because of this, so we were here to welcome our workers here and we want the workers of San Bernardino to know that they are not alone,” said Gilda Valdez, chief of staff of SEIU 721.

“In this time of grieving, in this time of tragedy, and this time of suffering we pray that the families are comforted by the strength that only God can provide, we pray that they are strengthened by the unity of this community,” said Pastor Sam Casey.

Some union leaders looking for solutions from Congress to stop mass shootings from happening.

“We need to stand up and work diligently to common sense solutions that will help protect all families, it’s time to start turning down PAC contributions from gun makers and their out of control lobby,” said Bob Schoonover, president of SEIU 721.

Some county employees we talked to were just happy to know that San Bernardino has their back in this time of sadness.

“I think it’s amazing and everything they say is just so heartfelt with the unity with them all, and being together, it means a lot,” said Monica Gonzalez, SEIU 721 member.

People who were in the room during the mass shooting were also at tonight’s event, but they decided not to talk to news media, because they were in such an emotional state.