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South Carolina church shooting: Nine die in Charleston 'hate crime' South Carolina church shooting: Nine die in Charleston 'hate crime'
(31 minutes later)
Nine people have died in a shooting at a historic African-American church in Charleston in the US state of South Carolina. Nine people have died in a shooting at a historic African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina.
City police chief Gregory Mullen said eight of the victims were killed inside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on Wednesday evening, while another person died shortly afterwards. City police chief Gregory Mullen described the attack at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church as a "hate crime".
He described it as a "hate crime".
Police later issued surveillance images of the suspect - a white male in his 20s - and a vehicle.Police later issued surveillance images of the suspect - a white male in his 20s - and a vehicle.
The church's pastor, state Senator Clementa Pinckney, was among those killed, civil rights activist the Rev Al Sharpton tweeted. The church's pastor, state Senator Clementa Pinckney, is reported to be among the dead.
A prayer meeting was going on at the time of the shooting at about 21:00 local time on Wednesday (01:00 GMT Thursday) at the church in Calhoun Street.A prayer meeting was going on at the time of the shooting at about 21:00 local time on Wednesday (01:00 GMT Thursday) at the church in Calhoun Street.
In a tweet, Charleston police wrote: "Suspect in shooting on Calhoun St is a w/m approx 21 slender small build wearing a grey sweat shirt blue jeans timberland boots clean shaven." Police issued an initial description of the suspect as white, about 21, slender build and clean shaven and wearing a grey sweatshirt, blue jeans and Timberland boots.
Speaking at a news briefing later, Mr Mullen said: "There were eight deceased individuals inside of the church. Two individuals were transported to [the hospital]. One of them has died. They later said he was seen driving away from the church in a black four-door saloon car.
"At this point, we have nine victims in this hideous crime. It is unfathomable that somebody in today's society would walk into a church when people are having a prayer meeting and take their lives," Mr Mullen said. Speaking at a news briefing, Mr Mullen said: "There were eight deceased individuals inside of the church. Two individuals were transported to [the hospital]. One of them has died.
"It is unfathomable that somebody in today's society would walk into a church when people are having a prayer meeting and take their lives," Mr Mullen said.
A woman who survived the shooting told her family the gunman said he was letting her live so she could report what happened, the Charleston Post and Courier reported.A woman who survived the shooting told her family the gunman said he was letting her live so she could report what happened, the Charleston Post and Courier reported.
She said the gunman had sat in the church before standing and opening fire, according to an official from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).She said the gunman had sat in the church before standing and opening fire, according to an official from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Charleston Mayor Joe Riley described the shooting as "the most unspeakable" tragedy.Charleston Mayor Joe Riley described the shooting as "the most unspeakable" tragedy.
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott tweeted: "My heart is breaking for Charleston and South Carolina tonight."South Carolina Senator Tim Scott tweeted: "My heart is breaking for Charleston and South Carolina tonight."
The Emanuel AME ChurchThe Emanuel AME Church
Charleston church's important roleCharleston church's important role
The campaign of US Republican presidential hopeful Jeb Bush cancelled an event planned in Charleston for Thursday due to the shooting.The campaign of US Republican presidential hopeful Jeb Bush cancelled an event planned in Charleston for Thursday due to the shooting.
"Governor Bush's thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and families affected by this tragedy," his team said in a statement."Governor Bush's thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and families affected by this tragedy," his team said in a statement.
Helicopters were seen hovering above the area and a police chaplain was at the scene.Helicopters were seen hovering above the area and a police chaplain was at the scene.
At one point police asked residents to move away because of reports of a bomb - but police later gave the all-clear.At one point police asked residents to move away because of reports of a bomb - but police later gave the all-clear.
A group of worshippers was seen praying near the church.A group of worshippers was seen praying near the church.
"We want some real answers now," one of the worshippers was heard saying."We want some real answers now," one of the worshippers was heard saying.
The attack comes two months after unarmed black man Walter Scott was shot and killed by a white police officer in North Charleston.The attack comes two months after unarmed black man Walter Scott was shot and killed by a white police officer in North Charleston.
The shooting prompted angry protests and highlighted racial tension in the city. The officer has since been charged with murder.The shooting prompted angry protests and highlighted racial tension in the city. The officer has since been charged with murder.
Charleston was also due to hold a ceremony on Thursday marking the eighth anniversary of another tragedy - the death of nine firefighters in a blaze at a furniture store in 2007.Charleston was also due to hold a ceremony on Thursday marking the eighth anniversary of another tragedy - the death of nine firefighters in a blaze at a furniture store in 2007.
Are you in the area? Did you witness the incident? You can email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your experience.Are you in the area? Did you witness the incident? You can email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your experience.
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