A vigil took place in Burton to pray for an end to violence Sunday night, hours after a mass shooting and fire at a Grand Blanc Township church claimed five lives, including that of the gunman, and left eight others hospitalized.

The vigil, which had been planned several weeks in advance, was organized by the Genesee County Republican Party as a reaction to violent incidents such as the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

On the football field of Holy Redeemer Church in Burton, dozens of people from around Genesee County held candles to collectively pray for the United States and those affected by violence.

Speakers included pastor Christopher Thoma, who spoke about his personal relationship with Kirk, and state Rep. David Martin, who represents the 68th District.

While the vigil was not pl

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