Prayer service and vigil held for man killed inside Montgomeryville church

NORTH WALES, Pa. (WTXF) -- Family, friends and community members came together to remember a man killed inside a Montgomeryville church.

"One day I look so forward to seeing you and embracing you again. We lift his spirit to you God. We love you Rob," said a tearful and heartbroken father as he led family and friends in a balloon release in memory of his son 27-year-old Robert Braxton. He was shot to death Sunday inside the church he attended, Keystone Fellowship in Montgomeryville.

"I don't understand why my son had to die," said the young man's father.

Dozens formed a prayer circle at Gazebo Park near the Township Municipal Building.

"It's just unfortunate that he was taken away at this young age but as you can see today with how many people showed up he was loved by so many. and he's going to be greatly missed," said Tina Streeper, the victim's cousin.

Investigators say a fellow parishioner shot Robert during Sunday morning worship inside the church packed with hundreds of people. They believe a fight broke out before the man shot Robert several times.

" You're supposed to be safe. That's the one place you're supposed to be safe," said a friend named Katie Andrey.

After the vigil church leaders held a prayer service at the Skippack campus of the church.

"We are seeking our Father for answers. We're not trying to assume that we know what is best or that we know what to do next," said Mark White, Pastor of the Keystone Fort Washington Campus. He spoke on behalf of the church.

Robert's friends say he was kind-hearted and the glue that kept them together.

"He's with the one he wants to be with. That's God and Jesus," said Amy Wolbach.

Investigators are still trying to determine whether the shooting was lawful. They say the shooter does have a permit to carry a concealed weapon and that he is cooperating.