Mass shootings in Texas and Ohio drew a fiery response from local elected officials during a candlelight vigil that quickly became a rally at Grand Army Plaza.

The evening started off on a somber note, with dozens of candles honoring the 31 people killed over the weekend. But then it got loud, with hundreds cheering on a delegation of New York's most recognizable officials.

"When we allude to people as an invasion, as an infestation, we are directly pulling from the language of white supremacy," says Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. "I don't want to hear the question, "Is this president racist?' anymore."

"No more prayers. No more vigils. It's time for action and understanding that the power, my friends, is in our hands. Let's vote," says state Attorney General Letitia James.