(NECN: Josh Brogadir, Boston) - Monday night was quiet and peaceful at the Charlestown Navy Yard, where people say they are extremely saddened to have learned about what happened in Washington.
Hundreds of miles away, at Iron Workers Local 7 in South Boston, there was a moment of silence for the victims of the Washington Navy Yard shootings.
Massachusetts Congressman Stephen Lynch, a member of the subcommittee on National Security, led a town hall on Syria with thoughts on the innocent victims of the DC attack.
"We have a security system, so whenever something happens close to the Capitol, we get an email right away," said Rep. Lynch. "The Navy Yard is walking distance from the Capitol."
Much is yet to be uncovered about alleged gunman Aaron Alexis.
Boston College Professor of Psychology Joe Tecce, says getting in the mind of a mass murderer means understanding someone who thinks he has been wronged and wants revenge.
"Usually, there's something there that says, 'I've been hurt, I've been jerked around, I've been spat upon, and now I'm going to get back,'" Tecce said.
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And he explained that at this time, victims' families and friends should try to remember that the grieving process has 4 C's: catharsis, communicate, compassion and continue.
At the Charlestown Navy Yard, decommissioned in 1974, and now part of the national park service, there are still 75 Navy personnel because of the U.S.S. Constitution, the oldest American warship.
In spite of the shootings in the nation's capital, there were no significant, noticeable changes to security on this day.
"We have sailors who stand watch on the ship and we also have civilian contracted workers that stand watch here, as well," said Petty Officer Peter Melkus. "I don't want to say the exact numbers we're using but good surveillance of the entire area."
Old Ironsides will be open to the public tomorrow, as will the U.S.S. Constitution Museum.
