Thousands Attend Public Viewing for Senator Pinckney

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — On Wednesday, thousands of people were on the State House grounds to pay their respects to late Senator Clementa Pinckney. “Senator Pinckney was a great man and his tradition, his honors, he should always be remembered, honored, and recognized for his contribution,” said Tommy Olds. South Carolinians banded together for a day of mourning. A horse drawn carriage brought State Senator Clementa Pinckney’s body to the statehouse grounds where an honor guard carried it to the rotunda inside. His widow and two children followed behind. Thousands of mourners joined them, standing in a long line that snaked around the State House. They paid their respects to a state leader many said was a noble representation of South Carolina. “This great man, he represented well for the Senate,” said Robin Grace. “I just want to be here today to represent him, his family, as well as unity.” Senator Joel Lourie has known Senator Pinckney for 17 years and sat beside him in the Senate chambers. Lourie said Pinckney’s impact on each person who he has touched will be felt for many years to come. “Just yesterday, being there, the cloth dropped over his desk it was one of the most emotional experiences, not only for those of us sitting there but for the entire chamber,” said Senator Lourie. As the community continues to heal and mourn, many said there is a silver lining in the tragedy that struck one week ago. “I think god chose Clementa Pinckney for a reason and we’re seeing that today and we’ve seen that the last week, in the Senate and the House and what’s happing with the issue of the flag, I just think it’s an incredible tribute to a great man,” said Senator Lourie. “The key to everything is love, his death and the death of others has brought people together that had no reason to be apart,” said Olds.