Dozens of people gathered outside Rockwell Hall on the Buffalo State College campus Friday morning to remember those killed one week ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.
A bell tolled for each of the 26 people killed in shooting, 20 children and six adults. The ceremony included a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m., the time of the shootings a week ago. Bells rung at many area churches, as well.
Buffalo State Dean Scott Johnson says it's been a difficult week for all. He says everyone is still shocked by last week's violence.
"Anyone who's ever had the joy of knowing the unfiltered and unspoiled love of a child is heartbroken," Johnson said.
"It's been so exhausting for most of us, trying to keep our souls from wandering too closely to the abyss of pain that this loss can represent. It just hurts so very much."
Johnson paid special tribute to the six teachers and administrators killed in the shooting, whom he said gave their lives for the students in their care.