The families of the nine victims killed Wednesday night at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina faced the alleged shooter, Dylann Roof, for the first time. During his first court appearance, members of the family spoke, with some forgiving him despite the hurt he caused.
Roof did not appear before Judge James Gosnell in person, instead appearing via video-conference. Before members of the family commented, Gosnell noted that their are victims in Roof’s family, adding “We must find it in our heart... to help his family as well.” From then on, even as family members emotionally spoke, Roof stood emotioneless.
Seventy-year-old Ethel Lance’s daugyhter told Roof, “I forgive you. You hurt me, you hurt a lot of people,” notes ABC News.
Felicia Sanders, whose 26-year-old son Tywanza, was killed, pointed out that they had welcomed him to their Bible stufdy that night.
“Every fiber in my body hurts. And I'll never be the same,” Sanders said. “Tywanza Sanders was my son. But he was my hero. But as we said in Bible study, we enjoined you but may God have mercy on you.”
“Although my grandfather and the other victims died at the hands of hate, this is proof everyone's plea for your soul is proof that they lived and loved and their legacies will live and love,” Alana Simmons, whose grandfather, Daniel Simmons Sr., 74, was also killed. “So hate won't win and I just want to thank the court for making sure that hate doesn't win.”
Law enforcement sources told CNN that Roof, 21, did admit to the shooting. He reportedly told police that he wanted to start a race war. Stylvia Johnson, a survivor of the shooting, reportedly heard Roof say during the shooting, “No, you've raped our women, and you are taking over the country ... I have to do what I have to do.”
Roof was charged with nine counts of murder and possession of a firearm while committing a violent crime. He was placed on $1 million bond on the weapons charge. He will appear in court again on Oct. 23.
mugshot courtesy of arrests.org