1,000+ Attend Vigil For Fallen Weymouth Police Officer Chesna

WEYMOUTH, MA — With only 24 hours of notice, Weymouth residents and friends came out in numbers over 1,000 strong to honor fallen Police Officer Michael Chesna.

Chesna's mother Maryann addressed the crowd, telling them in her time of tragedy that she's "never been prouder to be from Weymouth.

"I have no idea how you pulled this together in one day," she said. "My son would be so proud."

Weymouth Police Chief Richard Grimes expressed appreciation for the support the community showed tonight.

To the cheers of the crowd, Grimes announced the posthumous promotion of Chesna to the rank of Sergeant.

Grimes also discussed his concerns regarding the ongoing debate over a police officer's use of force. He described the initial act of violence when Emanuel Lopes allegedly threw a rock at Chesna's head before taking his gun and shooting him.

"The courts, the politicians and everyone in this country should put themselves in that split-second decision, and you tell me, 'is a rock a rock?' I stand here today and tell you it's not."

Local politicians were among those who came out to show their support including State Senator Patrick O'Connor and State Representative James Murphy. Both local politicians are from Weymouth.

When addressing the crowd, Murphy expressed his anguish.

"I feel like I've been kicked in the stomach, kicked to the point where I just don't understand why things happen," he said.

Murphy said despite this, the town will continue to support each other, and get through this.

"I continue to see this town rally," said Murphy. "I continue to see our town rally in difficult times."

Monday night, the town did rally. They did come together. Led in prayer by multiple reverends and clergy, over 1,000 people chanted, "And on this night, always let us lift up the light."

Photos by James Bentley