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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — A white man opened fire during a prayer meeting inside a historic black church in downtown Charleston on Wednesday night, killing nine people, including the pastor, in an assault that authorities described as a hate crime.
The shooter remained at large Thursday morning and police released photographs from surveillance video of a suspect and a possible getaway vehicle.
Police Chief Greg Mullen said he could not offer a make and model on the dark colored sedan because investigators were not certain about what is shown in the video.
Mullen said he believed the attack at the Emanuel AME Church was a hate crime. The suspect was described as a white man in his early 20s.
"This is a very dangerous individual," Mullen said during a 6 a.m. news conference.
"We want to identify this individual and arrest him before he hurts anyone else," the chief said.
Mullen said the scene at the church was chaotic when police arrived, and the officers thought they had the suspect tracked with a police dog, but he got away.
"We will put all effort, we will put all resources and we will put all of our energy into finding this individual who committed this crime tonight," he said.
The FBI will aid the investigation, Mullen told a news conference that was attended by FBI Special Agent in Charge David A. Thomas.
Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley called the shooting "the most unspeakable and heartbreaking tragedy."
"The only reason that someone could walk into a church and shoot people praying is out of hate," Riley said. "It is the most dastardly act that one could possibly imagine, and we will bring that person to justice. ... This is one hateful person."
State House Minority leader Todd Rutherford told The Associated Press that the church's pastor, state Sen. Clementa Pinckney, was among those killed.
Pinckney 41, was a married father of two who was elected to the state house at age 23, making him the youngest member of the House at the time.
"He never had anything bad to say about anybody, even when I thought he should," Rutherford, D-Columbia, said. "He was always out doing work either for his parishioners or his constituents. He touched everybody."
The attack came two months after the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man, Walter Scott, by a white police officer in neighboring North Charleston that sparked major protests and highlighted racial tensions in the area. The officer has been charged with murder, and the shooting prompted South Carolina lawmakers to push through a bill helping all police agencies in the state get body cameras. Pinckney was a sponsor of that bill.
In a statement, Gov. Nikki Haley asked South Carolinians to pray for the victims and their families and decried violence at religious institutions.
"We'll never understand what motivates anyone to enter one of our places of worship and take the life of another," Haley said.
Soon after Wednesday night's shooting, a group of pastors huddled together praying in a circle across the street.
Community organizer Christopher Cason said he felt certain the shootings were racially motivated.
"I am very tired of people telling me that I don't have the right to be angry," Cason said. "I am very angry right now."
Even before Scott's shooting in April, Cason said he had been part of a group meeting with police and local leaders to try to shore up relations.
The Emmanuel AME church is a historic African-American church that traces its roots to 1816, when several churches split from Charleston's Methodist Episcopal church.
One of its founders, Denmark Vesey, tried to organize a slave revolt in 1822. He was caught, and white landowners had his church burned in revenge. Parishioners worshipped underground until after the Civil War.
___
ALEX SANZ, Associated Press
DAVID GOLDMAN, Associated Press
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
790 Entries
God bless
Debbie kingshott
July 5, 2018
I would like to share my condolences, that my heart and prayers to all those families that have lost loved ones in Florida. Along with countless of others, my heart is heavy with sadness and yet it is filled with hope. I pray that the unity of spirit that has been so prevalent in these last few days continues throughout the long hard road ahead. The persons responsible for these atrocities has underestimated the strength of will of the young Americans people. Please know that you are not alone in your grief my thoughts and prayers are with you not just today, but forever.
Evelin -New York
Evelin Batista
February 21, 2018
Hello. I think of you every day, and Hamburg Presbyterian church is praying for you all. I pray that one day, God will heal people who would do us harm, and change their hearts. God's peace be with you all.
Katy
Katy Webster
December 3, 2017
Ann Marie Stokman
June 18, 2017
Valenda Newell
November 25, 2016
our heats go out to the victims and thier families
danette adelstein
February 25, 2016
It's wonderful to see God's thoughts which are recorded in Psalms37:9-11 where he promises to wipe away all forms ofwickedness and the people who are the source of it.With this in mind we will be able to live peacefully without any threat,the way God always intended .
Tee
January 13, 2016
To all the victims and families of this senseless shooting rampage,I pray for all of you.We here in Australia stand united with you.My love goes out to everyone involved.Be strong,know that God is with you in this hour of tragic circumstances.
Mary Wilson
December 3, 2015
To the family and friends of the victims of this tragic event:
Time has passed and most lives are back to normal but the memories of your loved ones lost will help you stay strong. May you find peace and comfort from the many promises outlined in God's Word and a world where justice will prevail for one and all. Jeremiah 29:11
KH
October 19, 2015
Que muy pronto terminara el sufrimiento y eso nos lo asegura en revelasion 21.3.4
October 6, 2015
My condolences (John 16:22) so you also, now you have grief; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
A P
September 18, 2015
I find it so difficult to express my condolences to the families of the great Christians who died. After all that we have been forced to endure...I cannot belive such a tragic event even occurred in this day and age. My prayer is that it never happens again.
Lena Williams
July 26, 2015
May God continue watching over the fallen and their families and friends.
Terry Womack
July 16, 2015
My condolences and prayers go out to the families of those that lost their lives and to the one that survived. You will live on in our hearts.
Teresa Floyd
July 12, 2015
May we all find peace during this time.Also may the families that lost members .
July 10, 2015
May the love and care that our Heavenly Father have for all of us, be with the families - for God will become a secure refuge for all the depressed, and a secure refuge in times of distress. Please accept my condolences.
July 9, 2015
So sorry for the loss of the church and families. Carolina Storng!
Mary
July 9, 2015
in loving memory of all 9 innocent victims whose lives were innocently taken.may god keep and comfort the families.
tawny kelley
July 8, 2015
to the wife and dear children of state senator and pastor,clementa.c.pinckney,may the god of life give you strength and peace.holdfast to every memorie,he lives on in the heart of you and his girls.god bless.tawny kelley licensed mortician.houston,tx.smith funeral home monroe,la.
tawny kelley
July 8, 2015
this is a tragedy created by bigotry and hate.my sincere sympathy to all the famalies of the innocently murdered victims.as in the day of mlk,racism and hatred are still alive.god will heal and i pray that justice will prevail.funeral director,tawny lynn kelley monroe,la.per houston,tx.
tawny kelley
July 8, 2015
I am praying for the families of all the victims.Love is what I have to give.
Renee Houseworth
July 7, 2015
I am so sorry for this terrible loss. I'm grieving that these beautiful people went to church for a time of fellowship, love, and worship, and there they found hate and violence. But their love, and Christ's love, is stronger than hate and evil: "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13)
Elaine
July 6, 2015
Bless you all and my deepest condolences
joanie ruoff
July 6, 2015
We all send our deepest condolences to all the church members and their families, at this time of sorrow and tragedy. May the Lord bless and keep you, and may you soon experience comfort and peace.
July 2, 2015
There are no words to describe our sorrow for your loss-only tears. We pray for continual comfort for all the families and friends of those who died. Your love, courage, and Fruit of the Spirit, in the face of such tragedy, have been a beautiful and sacrificial demonstration of love to the world.
July 1, 2015
Waiting for God's time To awake those dear Their voices once again we'll hear. ( Mark 5:42)
June 30, 2015
My heart goes out to the the entire church and especially to the families of the victims of the terror that occurred in your community.
Gina Kaiser
June 29, 2015
We are so so sorry for your loss. For the loss to the church and the community. Our hearts go out to you and we wish you love and comfort during this time.
June 29, 2015
Our prayers are with the families of the victims and our Great Nation that we never witness this type of tradgedy again. We pray for youall
Billy Floyd
June 29, 2015
Only God can give you the strength and healing! I pray for all of the Charleston nine and their families! I pray for the Mother Emanuel church family! I pray for all the love and peace during this rough time! God bless you all!
Jada Hicks
June 28, 2015
1st Lady Pinckney,
My heart ache for you and the girls as well as for your whole church family. Please continue to find comfort in God's word. He will bring us through this ordeal. His Grace is sufficient for us. I've heard those words all my life, and now I embrace their Holy impact. We all miss Rev./Senator Pinckney right along with you.
Agnes Barthel
June 27, 2015
Speechless. Near soulless. Feelings of wanting my existence frozen in time has never ever ever been so real. And I never heard you name until that day.
Maria Maria
June 26, 2015
Sympathy to your family @ the untimely death of your dear husband -dad-friend n now your guiduance angel May GOD give you strength an courage 2 face the future without him on earth but know that he s in heaven watching you everyday continous prayer for you n your family to find peace as you accept your earthly lost GOD BLESS YOU
DORIS BELT
June 26, 2015
We know we don't war against flesh and blood. The devil meant to destroy your families, but instead the Lord will make you all stronger. I'm so sorry for all you are having to deal with. I pray the love of Jesus Christ heal your hearts and minds and give you peace that passes all understanding. I love all of you with all of my heart.
Bobbie Lever
June 26, 2015
Sending thoughts and prayers to the families and church family. May God be your solid rock of comfort and strength. From the Collett family, Brisbane Australia.
June 26, 2015
We are with you in spirit every moment and will hold you in our hearts every day
O'Banion Family
June 26, 2015
Our prayers are with the families of the victims and the people of Charleston. We are all heartbroken by this tragedy. To the families of the victims, please know that you are being prayed for and loved by so many in the community and across the nation. I pray that God will provide you healing in the coming days. There are bad people in this world who are motivated by hate. Every decent person has been victimized by the hateful, callous disregard for human life shown by the individual who perpetrated these horrible acts. Our sense of security and well-being has been robbed and shaken.
The Kelly Family
June 26, 2015
To: Charleston Church Shooting Victims Families
Words cannot express the pain you may be feeling at this time, We do however feel your pain and extend our deepest sympathies to you.
Your love ones are resting in the arms of Christ.
Let your pain become your passion and pray for love all over the world.
Love will triumph over hate at all times.
May your hearts be consoled, knowing that God is with you and will never leave you long after the cameras and people go away.
There is no test that he won't help you pass.
My sincere prayers is that your families will stay strong and be healed from the wounds of your tragedy.
GOD Bless you All.
The Samuel Family
June 26, 2015
Our church would like to express our sympathy and prayers for the family members and the church. If you ever need help I can lend a hand. All will be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Virginia Smith
June 26, 2015
My God bless your families.
lela Hazel
June 26, 2015
May God comfort all of you.
A Smith
June 25, 2015
Cynthia Masse
June 25, 2015
God bless you all and give you peace and comfort. What was meant for evil, He can use for good. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3
Gail Carr
June 25, 2015
Words cannot express the pain we have seen you and your families going through. Stay strong in God, your grace is a lesson to us all.
Mary Alice Chambers
June 25, 2015
Dear Charleston Church Shooting victims' families,
I am sorry for their loss. May their memory be eternal! God bless them and their families.
Vasilios Emmanuel Glimidakis
June 25, 2015
My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the families & friends of the victims who were selfishly taken away in the Charleston Church Massacre. May God who gives comfort help all of you to deal with this very sad situation and that as the giver of life he is capable of restoring life to those who have fallen asleep in death-Acts 17:24-25.
Tonya Isham
June 25, 2015
condolences to all the people who were shot
sarah
June 25, 2015
My condolences go out to the families of the victims who were killed in the Charleston Church Massacre may God be with you during this difficult time.
Candice Gager
June 25, 2015
My deepest sympathies to all the grieving families & people of Charleston. God give you more strength. I applaud your Grace, your forgiveness & your wonderful display of Holiness in the face of evil.
Candace Hunter
June 25, 2015
I can't imagine the sorrow and pain you are going through during this difficult time. May the God of peace be with all of you, may God comfort and strengthen all of you now and in the days ahead.
June 25, 2015
Novena
"Lord we pray for those who have been devastated by recent tragedies. We remember those who have lost their lives so suddenly. We hold in our hearts the families forever changed by grief and loss. Bring them consolation and comfort. Surround them with our prayers for strength. Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the days ahead. Help us to respond with generosity in prayer, in assistance, and in comfort to the best of our abilities. Keep our hearts focused on the needs of all the community. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen"
June 25, 2015
My heartfelt sympathy.
Barbara Diane McNeill
June 24, 2015
My Sincere Sympathy.
Constance McNeill Van Dyke
June 24, 2015
God have mercy. I cannot imagine the hurt, the shock, and the pain that these families are experiencing due to this tragic act of hatred, prejudice, and racism. Praying for your strength in The Lord and asking this country to not only realize that there is a problem, but to stop talking and to find a solution to the problem. Praying these families will find peace and justice will be served.
Cathy Henry
June 24, 2015
Your grief is unimaginable to me. I really cannot find the right words to comfort you and your families. I pray God's blessings and comfort over your lives. May God bless you and keep you and bring healing to your wounded hearts!
Mary Crayton
June 24, 2015
Words seem so poor in the face of such loss. Know that the lives of your loved ones mattered and are in a nation's thoughts.
Elizabeth Catalano
June 24, 2015
Our condolences are with the family and friends of those who lost their loved ones. We are praying for you during your time of sorrow. God bless you!
Tasha Smith, Divas of the Serengeti Book Club
June 24, 2015
Family members I give my condolences to you. this is tragedy we will never forget. I will alway have this in my mind each day. May the Peace of God be with all of you in days to come.
Laverne Smith
June 24, 2015
A week later, I still cry for you. My grief is nothing compared to that of those who knew you, who loved you and who see the hole your absence leaves in the world. Please know there are people who think of you every day.
Andra Watkins
June 24, 2015
Condolences to all of the families that were affected by this senseless tragedy. My son and Mr.Sanders were teammates in junior high school and still to this date kept in touch. My heart goes out to his family because it could have been my son. God bless and keep you and give you peace is my prayer.
marilyn murray
June 24, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
James Jefferson
June 24, 2015
So sorry for your losses,may God comfort you in days to come.
Fannie Dixon
June 24, 2015
For all the families you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Knowing the lord will give you the strength to go on and grieve in your own way. Love and prayers too you
Beth Pfannkuche
June 23, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
KATHIE SHARPE
June 23, 2015
9 Innocent Souls
9 innocent souls left this world, with there stories untold, but God stepped in and then it begin, the stories were unfold, you left your families without a goodbye, not knowing you were leaving out to die. God hear my cry has I say, I know these souls are well on there way.There life is complete and there work is too, So deep in our hearts we will really miss you!
april rogers
June 23, 2015
Our hearts and prayers are with all of you and praying for God's comfort and peace. The anguish is heart breaking and i am so in awe of your community and forgiveness that Jesus teaches us.
Nancyy Rosa
June 23, 2015
The love of the church, and the legacy of those who were killed, will triumph over evil. The nine who died? My children will learn their names....
Jimmy
June 23, 2015
May God have mercy and keep each and every one in his loving arms.
Jeffrey Banks
June 23, 2015
I am praying for everyone and I send my heart felt sympathy and condolences
Angela Black
June 23, 2015
My broken heart cried out to the victims family and friends. may God comfort you and make you stronger in the mist of your lost. Look to the hills and you'll find Peace, Joy and the Love of our Father.
Elisa Fisher
June 23, 2015
Condolences to the family of Emmanuel on the loss of your loved ones. Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.
Charles & Angela Johnson
June 23, 2015
I pray that God will continue to strengthen and wrap his arms around you. Joy will come again
Denise jones
June 23, 2015
Dear God: Thank you so much for these dearly departed souls, and bring comfort to their loved ones.
June 23, 2015
Our love and our prayers. We are praying with you and for you. May God bless you.
The Jackson and Irvin Families
from
Waycross, Georgia and Atlanta, Georgia
Margaret Irvin
June 23, 2015
Lord help. Help us all.
Myra
June 23, 2015
To the families, friends, church members and colleagues of the Charleston 9. I pray that God gives you strength for peace, comfort and healing during this difficult time. These victims memories will be forever cherished. Be assured that brothers and sisters around the world in Christ will remember you and your loved ones today and always!
God Bless...
Pauli Rodgers
June 23, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nicholas Terrell
June 23, 2015
To the Mourning Families in Charleston and AME congregants,
We are a small group of co-opers in Iowa City, Iowa. We are struggling to find words to say in the wake of the terrorist attack on your community, but we want to express our sorrow and support for everyone effected by this horrible crime.
We are a majority white cooperative with a strong commitment to building racially diverse community, and we are deeply sorry for your loss. We respect and appreciate the role that AME has played in the struggle for social justice in America, and an assault on you is an assault on the struggle for equality across the country. We can only imagine the grief and suffering of the families, friends, and congregation of those killed, and we are extending our thoughts, prayers and compassion to your community.
In spite of the violence perpetrated against you and other blacks across the country, we continue to believe in the power of peaceful solutions to America's ongoing struggle for racial equality. While we can't be with you in body tonight, know that we stand with you in spirit.
In love and solidarity,
The Members of the River City Housing Collective
River City Housing Collective
June 23, 2015
My heart breaks at this tragic loss - good people taken from us too soon. May God heal our country and the specter of racism that has taken so many lives.
Anne Rambo
June 23, 2015
My heart aches for all of the victims, their families and everyone who loved them. I pray that God fills your heart with His love, comforts you with His peace and grace and gives you His strength as you grieve the loss of your loved ones. Please know you have brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world sending you their love and prayers in His Holy name.
With love-
Susan from NC
June 23, 2015
BECKY SMITH
June 23, 2015
My heart breaks for the families and friends of these faithful people and for the people of our country still so sadly affected by hatred. God please help us all to love like you love.
Michelle Powell
June 23, 2015
To all the families of the people whose lives were taken. The pain is felt for these lives and prayers are sent up to our Father to help you through this horrific time. Our King is returning soon, these horrific events are revealing HIS coming, may HE come soon and heal this land and all the people in it. In Love.
Adrienne
June 23, 2015
I am deeply sorry for this senseless loss of such wonderful people. Your testimony of grace, love, and forgiveness has preached a powerful message to the world. I pray that God will comfort your families.
June 23, 2015
My prayers are for your church. It broke my heart to hear of all you have been through.. May God bless you and help you through this time in your life.
Lorene Grant
June 23, 2015
Praying for comfort and strength during the days ahead. May God give you all peace.
Maple Davis
June 23, 2015
May God bless all the families of the tragic incident. May he grant you all comfort, strength and peace. Romans 15:13
June 22, 2015
May God bless and be with the victims and families of this horrible tragedy....in my thoughts and prayers!!!
Mallory Kenny
June 22, 2015
Minneapolis Minnesota keeping you all in our prayers
June 22, 2015
My deepest sympathies and condolences to your family and to all of the other families in the lost of your precious loved one.
Teresa Kidd
June 22, 2015
I was fortunate enough to visit this historic monument during a bus tour last September. I am especially touched by the tragedy as a result of that experience. My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victims as well as to the entire congregation. Be assured that the words of Romans 12:17-21 are a guarantee, sealed by our Almighty God and all powerful most high over all the earth. (Psalm 83:18) You are in my thoughts and prayers hoping that you are a source of comfort to each other as you upbuild one another's faith of a better future for all of us.
Grieving Unitedly
June 22, 2015
My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences goes out to the victim's families. It's such a sad tragedy that innocent peoples lost their lives. My prayers are with the families during this difficult grieving time. Thru this time of healing Jesus Our Saviour is guiding you all through this rough trying time.
Dianne Causey
June 22, 2015
May God put His Angels Over You To Protect You ....And Give You That Strength To Carry On....
Brian Hood
June 22, 2015
My condolences and prayers go out to the families of this tragic loss. May God who has all power bring healing and peace to you!!! He sits high and looks low and His eye is in every place beholding the good and evil! Keep the Faith in knowing that GOD is still on the throne and in charge!
Rhonda H
June 22, 2015
so sorry about your loss. such a tragic event.please know that almighty God hear your prayers and feel your pain and rest assures that he will make you firm in your trials and give you the strength to carry on now and in the days to come.(2Kings 20:5)
June 22, 2015
Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
I am praying for the families of the Emmanuel 9 and Charleston Sc
Tracey Sims
June 22, 2015
Please know that you are surrounded by love. Along with so many others, I hold you close to my heart and in my prayers always and forever.
Jane Curry
June 22, 2015
With deep sadness of the tragic news in the lost of your loved ones. May you seek comfort in the scripture at "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness." jw(dot)org
Lillian
June 22, 2015
Time and unexpected events befall us all as written in Ecclesiastes 9:11. Be comforted in knowing that God cares and He will bring an end to pain soon through his heavenly government as brought in Matthew 6:9.
Marty
June 22, 2015
The world grieves with you. May the memories of these nine be for blessings.
C.S. Scotkin
June 22, 2015
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