9 African-Americans Killed In Hate Crime At Emanuel AME Church In South Carolina

Police in South Carolina have stated that the killing of nine African-Americans at a black church in Charleston was a hate crime.

The white suspect in his 20s opened fire on a prayer meeting at the church. Nine African-Americans were killed, with the suspect still on the loose.

At a press conference, Police Chief Gregory Mullen said, “I do believe this was a hate crime.”

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Mayor Joe Riley said, “This is inexplicable. It is the most intolerable and unbelievable act possible… The only reason someone could walk into church and shoot people praying is out of hate….An evil and hateful person took the lives of citizens who had come to worship and pray together.”

The Emanuel AME Church is one of the oldest and one of the most well-known black churches in the South. A hate crime is the only logical reason for someone to walk into a house of worship and open fire on innocent people. It is being reported that the church’s pastor, State Sen. Clementa Pinckney is among those who lost their lives tonight.

The death toll in South Carolina has surpassed the 1999 Wedgwood Baptist Church shooting in Texas where a man who was tied to hate groups shot 14 worshippers, killing 7 before taking his own life. It is unknown at this time if the Charleston shooter was linked to hate groups, but it is clear that he committed a hate crime.

The focus now should be on capturing this ruthless mass murderer and bringing him to justice.

Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association