Students gather for heartfelt vigil at UC Merced

MERCED, Calif. (KTVU) - More than 2,000 people came together on the University of California Merced campus Friday night to try and move on from this week's shocking events.

"I just find it scary that someone just wakes up one morning and has this plan to like end everyone else's life," said freshman Genesis Arreola. Campus police say on Wednesday 18-year-old freshman Faisal Mohammad stabbed and wounded four people on campus.

Mohammad was later shot and killed by UC Merced police. Those injured survived, but the pain is still fresh in the minds of many.

That's why the university held the candlelight vigil called, "I stand with UC Merced" to help reassure the campus community that they're not alone.

"We had so many students here to begin the healing process and to feel pride and who they are and what they represent," said UC Merced Chancellor Dorothy Leland.

"Through this whole moment, I thought I was the only one that was like suffering. But seeing everyone hugging and crying just made me feel like everything is going to be ok," said Arreola.

Throughout the night several marches took place on campus and on the bridge that every freshman crosses when they enter the university and every graduate crosses again when they leave.

"The bridge did have some negative memories to it. I remember earlier this morning there were still emotions; there were still students crying when they were walking across," said senior Phil Coba.

On the bridge as a symbol of forgiveness are candles arranged in the shape of a heart dedicated to the memory of Mohammad, the same young man who brought upon the pain to this campus community.

"It's kind of in memory of him. While what happen did happen he was still a Bobcat and we are all Bobcats and our Bobcats do stand together," said Coba.

They also grieve together, heal together and live together because they're Bobcat strong.

"We are a strong community. We always have each others back and we're always sticking together through weakness and strength," said Junior Bobby Lui.

To help survivors with their medical expenses, a GoFundMe site has been set up to raise donations.