Tragedy brings Newtown community together for candlelight vigil

20 children killed in shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary

NEWTOWN, Conn. – It's a story no child should have to tell. 

Andrew Jacobs told Local 4 his teachers did what they could to protect him and his fellow classmates at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown -- but they couldn't shield him from the sound of gunfire and screams.

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"I was thinking like, 'Is this a practice drill or something?'" Jacobs told Local 4. "The principal wouldn't tell us anything at all."

Jacobs and his classmates came under attack Friday morning when 20-year-old Adam Lanza opened fire in the school. He later committed suicide. 

In all, 20 children and six adults were killed. 

The community gathered Friday night for a candlelight vigil at St. Rose Lima Catholic Church. 

There were tears, hugs and words of comfort exchanged. 

Monsignor Robert Weiss lead the service. For him, it was personal. 

"I know for sure six of the children. They were active here in the parish. One was going to be an angle in our Christmas pageant next week. One was getting ready to make her first holy communion," he said. "I baptized a couple of those children and I know their families well." 

The church will be open for anyone who wants to pray or be counseled. 

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