Community reeling after mass church shooting

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WOLO/AP) — What was supposed to be a time of worship and prayer at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston turned into shock and sorrow for the community Wednesday night. At 9:05 p.m. Wednesday, the Charleston Police responded to 110 Calhoun Street where the church is located because of a shooting. Police Chief Greg Mullen said during a press conference Wednesday night that a prayer meeting and Bible study were taking place during that time. He also confirmed that nine people have died. Three of them were men, and six of them were women. Eight people were found in the church building when first responders arrived, while the ninth person died later at the hospital. Charleston County Coroner Rae Wooten said Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Cynthia Hurd, Suzie Jackson, Ethel Lance, Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Rev. Daniel Simmons, Sharonda Singleton, and Myra Thompson were the nine victims from Wednesday’s shooting. According to law enforcement officials, including Charleston Police Chief Mullen and Richland County Representative James Smith, suspect Dylann Storm Roof was arrested in Shelby, NC. The suspect apparently entered the church building at around 8 p.m. Wednesday, an hour before the shooting took place. According to the church’s website, the pastor is listed as Democratic State Senator Clementa Pinckney. For more details on the arrest, click on the link regarding the suspect capture in the Related Content section. Mullen adds he believes this was a hate crime, saying that what happened was “unacceptable in any society but especially in our society”. Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said the “scoundrel” who did this was “filled with hate and with a deranged mind”, adding that they will catch the “no good, horrible person… so that he pays the price.” Multiple law enforcement agencies and first responders, including the Charleston County Sheriff’s Department and the Charleston Fire Department, were on the scene for the investigation. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, are also assisting with the case. Around 11 p.m. Wednesday, local media reported that officials pushed back reporters and others from the area, concerned about an apparent bomb threat, though that concern has been cleared. Governor Nikki Haley released the following statement in response to the shooting: “Michael, Rena, Nalin and I are praying for the victims and families touched by tonight’s senseless tragedy at Emanuel AME Church. While we do not yet know all of the details, we do know that we’ll never understand what motivates anyone to enter one of our places of worship and take the life of another. Please join us in lifting up the victims and their families with our love and prayers.” Broad community support has been felt throughout the city, the state, and across the country. A vigil took place near the church Wednesday night, where many community members were seen praying for the victims. Mayor Riley said Thursday morning, “We are going to put our arms around that church and that church family.” An assistance center has been set up for the victims’ families.