9 Dead in ‘Hate Crime’ Shooting at Historic Charleston African American Church
June 18th, 2015Update: Suspect: Dylann Roof
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Via: Washington Post:
Police are searching for a gunman who opened fire and killed nine people Wednesday night during a prayer service at a historic African American church in downtown Charleston, S.C., in one of the worst attacks on a place of worship in recent memory.
At least one other person was injured in the assault, which police described as a “hate crime.”
Police launched a manhunt for the gunman, described as a clean-shaven white male in his early 20s, who has sandy blond hair and a small build. Police said he was wearing a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans and Timberland boots. He is believe to be the only shooter. Police in fatigues, some with K-9 dogs, said they were searching “near and far” for the gunman and pursuing “lots of tips.”
Norval Gun, a AME pastor interviewed near the scene, said the man “walked in, from my understanding, not so much as a participant, but as a brief observer who then stood up and then started shooting.”
