When Pastor John Mohan of sent his daughter on her first day back to Perry Hall High, he wasn't expecting to rush back to find her just hours later.
On Monday morning, a in the school's cafeteria, police said. A 17-year-old student was shot and injured before the was taken into police custody. Students, teachers and staff were all evacuated.
"There were certainly times throughout this day when I felt like a father just looking for his child, like all of the other parents in Perry Hall," Mohan said.
The pastor shared his experience during a at the church Monday evening, where a few dozen local residents joined in prayer, song and reflection.
Prayers were offered specifically for the 17-year-old victim, as well as the guidance counselor—identified by witnesses as —who police say grabbed the shooter and stopped the attack in the school's cafeteria.
"In the midst of all those families rushing around the school, I couldn't help but see members of my church community and reach out with hugs and support. I couldn't help but be drawn in," Mohan added.
The service was organized by Jeff Christopher, a Sunday school teacher for several Perry Hall High students, and Dave Deitrich, the church's Sunday school superintendent.
"That's why we're here tonight—to give everyone in the community a chance to come in and talk to God, and hope to understand how and why this happened," Deitrich said.
Rachel Davies, a Perry Hall High freshman, approached the church's alter and spent a few minutes in silent prayer near the end of the service.
Davies said the service was helping her to process the day's events, and she looked forward to rejoining her friends on Tuesday.
"We're making T-shirts that say 'Pray for Daniel' in the front and 'Team Wasmer' in the back, and then we're going to decorate his office with cards," she said.
Kathy Hughes, whose son Brett Hughes also started his freshman year at Perry Hall High on Monday, added her appreciation for the service.
"I wasn't sure if I would come tonight, but my friend invited me. It feels better when you're with other people. It gives you comfort," said Kathy Hughes.
"It does help to spend time thinking about what happened," Brett Hughes said.
Kathy Hughes said she and other parents were focusing on preparing their children for the next day—Baltimore County Public Schools announced that classes will on Tuesday.
"In a way, I think it's better that they do go back to school, where they can see all of their friends," Kathy Hughes said. "In general, I think it is a very safe school and I trust everyone up there. You can only control so much."
