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Matthews community gathers for prayer in wake of Butler school shooting

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Matthews town and church leaders came together for a prayer rally Saturday morning to help the community heal two weeks after a deadly shooting in the hallways at Butler High School.

Dozens of families joined the community leaders at Stumptown Park, just 2 miles from the school.

“We’re proud that they’re out here raising up their voice to Jesus and asking God for guidance for the community,” Matthews Mayor Paul Bailey said.

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While most of the prayer gathering itself was spirited and inspiring, reflecting on the reason for calling it brought sadness.

Mecklenburg County Commission chair Ella Scarborough said she was disturbed by the school shooting.

“We should not be here,” Scarborough said, “I’m praying this will help all of us understand we can’t do this.”

Scarborough is referring to the violence that took the life of 16-year-old Bobby McKeithen and landed 16-year-old Jatwan Cuffie in jail, charged with murder.

McKeithen and Cuffie

(McKeithen, Cuffie)

The shooting didn't just change two families; it changed a community, one reason pastor Brian Carn said the prayer rally was desperately needed.

“If us as a people can come together, black, white, orange, yellow, and just unify and do everything we can to fix this issue, I believe we can get rid of this problem,” said Carn, pastor at Kingdom City Church.

The prayer rally also included mental health professionals for parents and children.

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