Tonight 9 people have been killed inside a predominantly African American church in Charleston, SC. The motive is being described as a hate crime by the mayor and as of press-time the Caucasian suspect is still at large. The death toll could rise as several more victims have been taken to the hospital.
The shooting took place Wednesday evening at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest AME church in the South.
The suspect is being described as a white male around 21 years of age with sandy blonde hair. He was clean-shaven with a slender build. He was wearing a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans and boots.
The department asked anyone with information to call 911 dispatchers. A reward for information leading to the capture of the suspect is expected to be announced. PATH will keep you updated as the story develops. Keep all the victims and those affected by this tragedy in your prayers.
UPDATE: (Suspects Picture Released):
[Police have captured Dylann Roof, a white man who opened fire at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church Wednesday night, killing 9 people including a pastor]
[The Charleston Police department released this photo of the suspect who entered a historic black church and killed 9 at bible study]
[Worshippers gather across the street from the shooting in a hotel parking lot. Every Wednesday the church holds bible study in its basement.]
Historic significance
Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church was formed in 1816 when African-American members of Charleston’s Methodist Episcopal Church formed their own congregation after a dispute over burial grounds.
Six years later, one of the church founders was implicated in a slave revolt plot. He wasn’t convicted.
During the case, the church was burned to the ground. It was rebuilt in 1834.
Heavy police presence
Every Wednesday evening, the church holds a Bible study in its basement.
“Like everybody out here, we’re sick to our stomachs that this could happen in a church,” Rep. Dave Mack, a friend of the church’s pastor, told CNN affiliate WCSC.
Corey Wessenger, who was standing across the street from the church, said the area was swarming with law enforcement.
“I just saw a group of about 40 people escorted by cops,” Wessenger told CNN by phone.
Community members gathered in a prayer circle just down the street from the scene.
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush canceled a scheduled town hall in Charleston on Thursday “due to the tragic events unfolding in South Carolina tonight.”
