LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Metro Police Department continues to follow leads on who shot eight people at H2O Lounge last week, and community leaders gathered Saturday near the scene for a prayer vigil.
LMPD and Metro Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins addressed the public Friday in front of the bar in a plea to help police solve this case. On Saturday evening, west Louisville community members gathered for a peace prayer vigil to remember the lives that have been taken by violence in their neighborhoods.
Many of them turned to their faith for answers and action.
Pastors, business owners and community leaders gathered across the street from the bar where they took turns praying and discussing ways they want to combat violence near their homes.
In the crowd was Khalid Raheem with Pivot to Peace Russell, a Metro Louisville outreach service that aids victims of violent crimes.
"Nylah Linear was my niece," Raheem said. "She was murdered. Nas'Jah Moody was my grandson. He was murdered. Lives that were taken senselessly, and we still don't know who or what."
Raheem is one of many community leaders exhausted by violence in the city, especially in west Louisville neighborhoods.
"My mother told me don't come out today," Raheem said. "She said because you say the same thing and nothing changes."
Saturday's prayer vigil is a sign their faith is still strong in resolving violent issues.
Retired police officer Ray Barker, also known as "Sir Friendly C," shared powerful words before the event.
"We cannot become numb to this violence to where we let the violence take control of our community" Barker said. "We must keep pushing forward."
Pastor Brodric Purvis also offered support and said he's not numb to the violence, but he is concerned on how it plagues the areas around his church -- New Morning Star Baptist.
"It breaks my heart seeing folks die over something crazy basically and makes me work harder on getting people the word of God," Purvis said.
Raheem said there are many other ways people can resolve issues besides violence, and there are people and resources available.
"It's just letting you know that we're here and that you have an outlet," Raheem said. "Just take a second to think."
As the doors to the bar remain closed the frustrations from the community still linger. West Louisville leaders hope their faith will lead to change.