This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-33179019

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 12 Version 13
South Carolina church shooting: Nine die in Charleston 'hate crime' South Carolina church shooting: Nine die in Charleston 'hate crime'
(35 minutes later)
Nine people have died in a shooting at a historic African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina.Nine people have died in a shooting at a historic African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina.
City police chief Gregory Mullen described the attack at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church as a "hate crime".City police chief Gregory Mullen described the attack at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church 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, is reported to be among the dead.The church's pastor, state Senator Clementa Pinckney, is reported to be among the dead.
Follow the BBC's latest updatesFollow the BBC's latest updates
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.
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. Police issued an initial description of the suspect as white, about 21, clean shaven with a slender build and wearing a grey sweatshirt, blue jeans and Timberland boots.
They later said he was seen driving away from the church in a black four-door saloon car.They later said he was seen driving away from the church in a black four-door saloon car.
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. Speaking at a news briefing, Mr Mullen said that six females and three males were killed, but that names would not be released until all families were notified.
"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. He said the gunman had sat in the church for about an hour while the meeting was taking place, before opening fire.
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. "This is a very dangerous individual who should not be approached," he said.
He said that when police arrived at the scene eight people were already dead in the church and that one other person died later in hospital. There were three survivors, he added.
"This tragedy that we're addressing right now is indescribable," he said. "No-one in this community will ever forget this night."
A woman who survived the shooting told her family that 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.
If you are willing to speak further to a BBC journalist, please include a contact telephone number.If you are willing to speak further to a BBC journalist, please include a contact telephone number.
Email your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, upload them here, tweet them to @BBC_HaveYourSay or text 61124. If you are outside the UK, send them to the international number +44 7624 800 100.Email your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, upload them here, tweet them to @BBC_HaveYourSay or text 61124. If you are outside the UK, send them to the international number +44 7624 800 100.
Or WhatsApp us on +44 7525 900971Or WhatsApp us on +44 7525 900971
Read our terms and conditions.Read our terms and conditions.