Hundreds of people gathered at the Islamic Center of the Capital District on Sunday to mourn the 50 lives lost in the mass shooting in New Zealand last week.

Interfaith leaders from the Schenectady organized the vigil. Congregation leaders reflected on the importance of prayer and community following tragic events.

They also stressed recognizing those killed as martyrs because they died while in prayer.

Humera Khan, coordinator of Interfaith’s Islamic Center, said the focus should be on supporting the families of the victims.

"For the people who died, they go to a high place up there in heaven, but of course for the families it is very sad and shocking,” Khan said. “No one said goodbye to the families, they just went to pray and thought they would be back like any other Friday, but that did not happen."

Khan added that she was overwhelmed by the number of people who attended.