Authorities said that nine people were killed when a gunman opened fire during a prayer meeting Wednesday evening at a historic African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina.
The Post and Courier reported that the man who started shooting about an hour into the service at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church has been identified as 21-year-old Dylann Storm Roof.
ABC News noted that police said the suspect fatally shot nine people including South Carolina state senator Rev. Clementa Pinckney before fleeing.
"It is with heartache and sadness to learn that one of our beloved Senators has been killed in the brutal massacre at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston last night," South Carolina Sen. Hugh Leatherman said in a statement Thursday. "Senator Clementa C. Pinckney was a leader in the Senate of South Carolina, a strong advocate for his constituents, a great pastor and community leader, but most importantly, a cherished and loved husband, father and son. The entire Senate of South Carolina extends our love and sympathy to Jennifer, Eliana, Malana, and to the rest of his family."
Roof is described as a white male standing about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and was last seen wearing a very distinctive sweatshirt.
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Update: Mutiple news outlets have reported that law enforcement offcials have apprehended the suspect in Shelby, North Carolina.
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