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Charleston church shooting suspect Dylann Roof in custody – latest updates Charleston church shooting suspect Dylann Roof in custody – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
4.38pm ET21:38
Roof has waived extradition, and is on his way back to Charleston, according to WBTV’s Harry.
attys 4 #CharlestonShooting suspect #DylannRoof were not in court w/him. They say court officials told them he waived extradition.@WBTV_News
4.37pm ET21:37
According to Coleen Harry, the WBTV reporter at the courthouse in Shelby, Roof went to court without his attorneys who were waiting for him at the clerk’s office:
Attys waiting at clerk's Ofc were supposed 2 go 2 court w/#CharlestonShootings suspect; he went w/out them.@WBTV_News pic.twitter.com/e2guZjqm7n
4.35pm ET21:35
Charleston PD spokesperson said that in theory, Roof’s paperwork for transfer to South Carolina must be approved by the North Carolina courthouse. Once that’s done he should be brought back to Charleston where the court will be set and he will face the charges in Charleston. He should be brought back to Charleston by the Charleston PD or the Charleston County Police.
As an administrative matter, it appears that Roof will need to be charged in South Carolina for his crimes, writes my colleague Jessica Glenza. This is per Chapter 9 of the South Carolina legislature’s website, pertaining to extradition.
The person must be charged in the requesting state [South Carolina] in the manner set forth in Section 17-9-10; provided, however, the person need not have been in the requesting state at the time of the commission of the crime in that state and need not have fled from that state.”
4.31pm ET21:31
My colleague Lauren Gambino has confirmed with the Charleston PD spokesperson Charles Francis, that Roof is currently in the custody of Shelby PD and is heading to his first court appearance in Shelby.
According to the local CBS affiliate WBTV, he is heading to Cleveland County courthouse in Shelby, but the court will unusually be closed to the public. Only law enforcement officials will be allowed in.
Updated at 4.32pm ET
4.19pm ET21:19
Charleston officials have given the all clear on the bomb threat at county building:
UPDATE: At 3:50 pm, #Charleston officials said "all clear" on bomb threat at county building. #chsnews #CharlestonShooting @mboughtonPC
Updated at 4.23pm ET
4.09pm ET21:09
The Shelby Starr has profiled the florist who reportedly led police to Dylann Roof. Debbie Dills was running “a little late” to work at Frady’s Florist this morning, when she spotted Roof from her car:
I saw the news coverage last night and the picture of the car. I knew it was a black car, and it had a tag on the front. I saw the pictures of him with the bowl cut,” Dills said through tears. “Since it happened I was praying for them and the church. I was in the right place at the right time that the Lord puts you.”
Updated at 4.23pm ET
4.03pm ET21:034.03pm ET21:03
And another picture of Roof:And another picture of Roof:
#DylannRoof looks around at our cameras while being escorted to patrol car. #CharlestonShooting pic.twitter.com/3QXUEY94ch#DylannRoof looks around at our cameras while being escorted to patrol car. #CharlestonShooting pic.twitter.com/3QXUEY94ch
4.01pm ET21:014.01pm ET21:01
Roof was just seen leaving the Shelby police station, on his way to court for his arraignment:Roof was just seen leaving the Shelby police station, on his way to court for his arraignment:
#CharlestonShooting suspect #DylannRoof just walked out of @ShelbyPolice station on his way to court pic.twitter.com/sIiru2UKa7#CharlestonShooting suspect #DylannRoof just walked out of @ShelbyPolice station on his way to court pic.twitter.com/sIiru2UKa7
3.59pm ET20:593.59pm ET20:59
The only suspect in the shooting, Dylann Roof does not seem to have a heavy social media presence. Despite this, a picture is beginning to emerge of an “introverted” man with a recent record of criminal behavior, writes my colleague Jessica Glenza:The only suspect in the shooting, Dylann Roof does not seem to have a heavy social media presence. Despite this, a picture is beginning to emerge of an “introverted” man with a recent record of criminal behavior, writes my colleague Jessica Glenza:
“I don’t know what was going through his head,” Konzny said. “He was a really sweet kid. He was quiet. He only had a few friends.”“I don’t know what was going through his head,” Konzny said. “He was a really sweet kid. He was quiet. He only had a few friends.”
A high-school contemporary, John Mullins, told the Daily Beast that the young Roof had been “kind of wild”.A high-school contemporary, John Mullins, told the Daily Beast that the young Roof had been “kind of wild”.
“He used drugs heavily a lot,” Mullins said. “It was obviously harder than marijuana. He was like a pill popper, from what I understood. Like Xanax, and stuff like that.”“He used drugs heavily a lot,” Mullins said. “It was obviously harder than marijuana. He was like a pill popper, from what I understood. Like Xanax, and stuff like that.”
He added: “He made a lot of racist jokes, but you don’t really take them seriously like that. You don’t really think of it like that.” But now, he said, it seemed that “the things he said were kind of not joking”.He added: “He made a lot of racist jokes, but you don’t really take them seriously like that. You don’t really think of it like that.” But now, he said, it seemed that “the things he said were kind of not joking”.
Read her profile of Roof here.Read her profile of Roof here.
Updated at 4.02pm ETUpdated at 4.02pm ET
3.43pm ET20:433.43pm ET20:43
A “threat” caused the evacuation of the building where the coroner just spoke:A “threat” caused the evacuation of the building where the coroner just spoke:
BREAKING: Alarms sounding in #CharlestonCounty Building. Media being evacuated due to reported threat on building at Bridge View Dr.BREAKING: Alarms sounding in #CharlestonCounty Building. Media being evacuated due to reported threat on building at Bridge View Dr.
There's a threat at Chas council headquarters and we're being evacuated #chsnewsThere's a threat at Chas council headquarters and we're being evacuated #chsnews
This would be the second evacuation of the day due to a “threat”.This would be the second evacuation of the day due to a “threat”.
Updated at 3.45pm ETUpdated at 3.45pm ET
3.32pm ET20:323.32pm ET20:32
All nine victims identifiedAll nine victims identified
The names and ages of all the victims are:The names and ages of all the victims are:
3.31pm ET20:313.31pm ET20:31
Elliott Summey, the Chairman of the city council is now speaking at the press conference and is visibly emotional: Senator Pinckney was a friend and two employees lost their lives in the shooting.Elliott Summey, the Chairman of the city council is now speaking at the press conference and is visibly emotional: Senator Pinckney was a friend and two employees lost their lives in the shooting.
He also announced that the city was going to rename the St Andrews library, the Cynthia Hurd Regional Library. Hurd was a library employee for 31 years.He also announced that the city was going to rename the St Andrews library, the Cynthia Hurd Regional Library. Hurd was a library employee for 31 years.
3.16pm ET20:163.16pm ET20:16
Wooten has released the names of all nine victims, these will be posted here as soon as we have correct spellings.Wooten has released the names of all nine victims, these will be posted here as soon as we have correct spellings.
A full autopsy will be conducted on all victims, per procedure. No further details on memorial services and plans for future services.A full autopsy will be conducted on all victims, per procedure. No further details on memorial services and plans for future services.
3.10pm ET20:103.10pm ET20:10
Coroner Rae Wooten is now speaking:Coroner Rae Wooten is now speaking:
3.08pm ET20:083.08pm ET20:08
The shooting of nine black church-goers in Charleston (not far from where Scott was killed) by a white gunman in what police are treating as a “hate crime” marks a doubling down on the nation’s twin pathologies of racism and guns, writes my colleague Gary Younge.The shooting of nine black church-goers in Charleston (not far from where Scott was killed) by a white gunman in what police are treating as a “hate crime” marks a doubling down on the nation’s twin pathologies of racism and guns, writes my colleague Gary Younge.
Racism isn’t dead. We know this because it keeps killing black people.Racism isn’t dead. We know this because it keeps killing black people.
The fact that Clementa Pinckney, a state senator, was among the dead indicates that nobody is safe. The fact that it took place in a church during a prayer meeting indicates that nowhere is safe.The fact that Clementa Pinckney, a state senator, was among the dead indicates that nobody is safe. The fact that it took place in a church during a prayer meeting indicates that nowhere is safe.
America does not have a monopoly on racism. But what makes its racism so lethal is the ease with which people can acquire guns. While the new conversation around race will mean the political response to the fact of this attack will be different, the stale conversation around gun control means the legislative response to the nature of this attack will remain the same. Nothing will happen.America does not have a monopoly on racism. But what makes its racism so lethal is the ease with which people can acquire guns. While the new conversation around race will mean the political response to the fact of this attack will be different, the stale conversation around gun control means the legislative response to the nature of this attack will remain the same. Nothing will happen.
Read Gary’s piece in full here.Read Gary’s piece in full here.
2.58pm ET19:582.58pm ET19:58
Charleston County Coroner Rae Wooten will hold a 3pm news conference to identify the nine victims of last night’s shooting.Charleston County Coroner Rae Wooten will hold a 3pm news conference to identify the nine victims of last night’s shooting.
Updated at 3.01pm ETUpdated at 3.01pm ET
2.44pm ET19:442.44pm ET19:44
Richard Cohen, the president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization which tracks hate crimes in the US, has called the Charlestonchurch shooting an “obvious hate crime”:Richard Cohen, the president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization which tracks hate crimes in the US, has called the Charlestonchurch shooting an “obvious hate crime”:
A white man who admires apartheid walks into a black church and kills nine people. According to an eyewitness, he says that he has “to do it” because black people “rape our women” and are “taking over our country.” It’s an obvious hate crime by someone who feels threatened by our country’s changing demographics and the increasing prominence of African Americans in public life.A white man who admires apartheid walks into a black church and kills nine people. According to an eyewitness, he says that he has “to do it” because black people “rape our women” and are “taking over our country.” It’s an obvious hate crime by someone who feels threatened by our country’s changing demographics and the increasing prominence of African Americans in public life.
Since 2000, we’ve seen an increase in the number of hate groups in our country — groups that vilify others on the basis of characteristics such as race or ethnicity. Though the numbers have gone down somewhat in the last two years, they are still at historically high levels. The increase has been driven by a backlash to the country’s increasing racial diversity, an increase symbolized, for many, by the presence of an African American in the White House.”Since 2000, we’ve seen an increase in the number of hate groups in our country — groups that vilify others on the basis of characteristics such as race or ethnicity. Though the numbers have gone down somewhat in the last two years, they are still at historically high levels. The increase has been driven by a backlash to the country’s increasing racial diversity, an increase symbolized, for many, by the presence of an African American in the White House.”
Read his full remarks here.Read his full remarks here.
2.32pm ET19:322.32pm ET19:32
The Charleston Post & Courier has identified two more victims, killed in Wednesday night’s shooting:The Charleston Post & Courier has identified two more victims, killed in Wednesday night’s shooting:
5. Ethel Lance, who was identified by her grandson as someone who had worked for 30 years at the church.5. Ethel Lance, who was identified by her grandson as someone who had worked for 30 years at the church.
6. Susie Jackson, Lance’s cousin who was named by a relative and was a longtime church member.6. Susie Jackson, Lance’s cousin who was named by a relative and was a longtime church member.
Read here for more on the four victims previously identified.Read here for more on the four victims previously identified.
2.17pm ET19:172.17pm ET19:17
Charleston County Sheriffs have now repotedly cleared the bomb threat:Charleston County Sheriffs have now repotedly cleared the bomb threat:
Bomb threat at 15 Morris Street is all clear.Bomb threat at 15 Morris Street is all clear.
2.16pm ET19:162.16pm ET19:16
People were reportedly evacuated form the church, and the area surrounding the church was cleared by police.People were reportedly evacuated form the church, and the area surrounding the church was cleared by police.
Police pushing people back away from the church. Only officers allowed in church now. #CHSnews pic.twitter.com/s3xsizB9g3Police pushing people back away from the church. Only officers allowed in church now. #CHSnews pic.twitter.com/s3xsizB9g3
2.07pm ET19:072.07pm ET19:07
Authorities in Charleston are reportedly responding to a bomb threat at the Morris Brown church where a vigil for the victims of the shooting was being held:Authorities in Charleston are reportedly responding to a bomb threat at the Morris Brown church where a vigil for the victims of the shooting was being held:
#BREAKING: Authorities responding to bomb threat at Morris Brown AME Church. #CharlestonShooting Details soon on http://t.co/xXpValnPvM#BREAKING: Authorities responding to bomb threat at Morris Brown AME Church. #CharlestonShooting Details soon on http://t.co/xXpValnPvM
And I've just been told by police that there's a bomb threat at the church. #CHSnewsAnd I've just been told by police that there's a bomb threat at the church. #CHSnews
1.58pm ET18:581.58pm ET18:58
My colleagues in London have drawn up an interactive, with a detailed view of everything we know so far about the shooting, namely: what we know about the suspect, who has died and some facts on the numbers of hate crimes in the US.My colleagues in London have drawn up an interactive, with a detailed view of everything we know so far about the shooting, namely: what we know about the suspect, who has died and some facts on the numbers of hate crimes in the US.
Related: What happened at the Charleston, South Carolina, church shooting?Related: What happened at the Charleston, South Carolina, church shooting?
Updated at 2.05pm ETUpdated at 2.05pm ET
1.48pm ET18:481.48pm ET18:48
A view from inside the Morris Brown AME Church vigil:A view from inside the Morris Brown AME Church vigil:
The atmosphere is nearly jubilant as they hold hands and sing. pic.twitter.com/W2SREEgTKEThe atmosphere is nearly jubilant as they hold hands and sing. pic.twitter.com/W2SREEgTKE
"We shall overcome" #CharlestonShooting @ABCNews4 pic.twitter.com/9xwWJ67WVN"We shall overcome" #CharlestonShooting @ABCNews4 pic.twitter.com/9xwWJ67WVN
1.36pm ET18:361.36pm ET18:36
SummarySummary
Here’s an updated summary of what we know so far:Here’s an updated summary of what we know so far:
Updated at 1.47pm ETUpdated at 1.47pm ET
1.20pm ET18:201.20pm ET18:20
Four victims identified: what we know so farFour victims identified: what we know so far
Dr Lady June Cole, the president of Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. has issued a statement confirming that two of its alumni were killed in Wednesday night’s shooting:Dr Lady June Cole, the president of Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. has issued a statement confirming that two of its alumni were killed in Wednesday night’s shooting:
1 . Tywanza Sanders, a 2014 graduate of the Division of Business Administration.1 . Tywanza Sanders, a 2014 graduate of the Division of Business Administration.
2. Senator Clementa Pinckney, 41, pastor of Mother Emmanuel AME church2. Senator Clementa Pinckney, 41, pastor of Mother Emmanuel AME church
Two other victims have also been identified:Two other victims have also been identified:
3 . Cynthia Hurd: Charleston County Public Library has confirmed that its manager was also killed in the Mother Emmanuel Church shooting, according to WCBD, an NBC affiliate in Charleston.3 . Cynthia Hurd: Charleston County Public Library has confirmed that its manager was also killed in the Mother Emmanuel Church shooting, according to WCBD, an NBC affiliate in Charleston.
4. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, the mother of Chris Singleton, a rising sophomore at Charleston Southern University and a member of the college’s baseball team, CSU said in a statement:4. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, the mother of Chris Singleton, a rising sophomore at Charleston Southern University and a member of the college’s baseball team, CSU said in a statement:
12.50pm ET17:5012.50pm ET17:50
Obama: Mother Emmanuel Church 'is a sacred place' for Charleston and AmericaObama: Mother Emmanuel Church 'is a sacred place' for Charleston and America
In a statement to reporters on Thursday, the president expressed both sadness and anger at the shootings which killed nine overnight. But he also said that the country needed to come to grips with its continuing record of gun violence:In a statement to reporters on Thursday, the president expressed both sadness and anger at the shootings which killed nine overnight. But he also said that the country needed to come to grips with its continuing record of gun violence:
“I’ve had to make statements like this too many times. Communities like this have had to endure tragedies like this too many times.“I’ve had to make statements like this too many times. Communities like this have had to endure tragedies like this too many times.
“We don’t have all the facts, but we do know that once again, innocent people were killed in part because someone who wanted to inflict harm had no trouble getting their hand on a gun.”“We don’t have all the facts, but we do know that once again, innocent people were killed in part because someone who wanted to inflict harm had no trouble getting their hand on a gun.”
“Now is the time for mourning and for healing. But let’s be clear. At some point, we as a country will have to reckon with the fact that this type of mass violence does not happen in other advanced countries. It doesn’t happen in other places with this kind of frequency.“Now is the time for mourning and for healing. But let’s be clear. At some point, we as a country will have to reckon with the fact that this type of mass violence does not happen in other advanced countries. It doesn’t happen in other places with this kind of frequency.
According to some reporters, this is the 14th time Obama has had to make a statement on a shooting incident.According to some reporters, this is the 14th time Obama has had to make a statement on a shooting incident.
Updated at 12.56pm ETUpdated at 12.56pm ET
12.29pm ET17:2912.29pm ET17:29
Obama said the fact that the incident happened in a black church recalls a dark chapter of American history.Obama said the fact that the incident happened in a black church recalls a dark chapter of American history.
Mother Emmanuel Church has risen before to give hopes to generations of Charlestonians and will rise again, Obama said, as a place of peace.Mother Emmanuel Church has risen before to give hopes to generations of Charlestonians and will rise again, Obama said, as a place of peace.
Updated at 12.36pm ETUpdated at 12.36pm ET
12.25pm ET17:2512.25pm ET17:25
At some point it’s going to be important for the American people to come to terms with this and to “shift how we think about the issue of gun violence” in this country, Obama said.At some point it’s going to be important for the American people to come to terms with this and to “shift how we think about the issue of gun violence” in this country, Obama said.
Updated at 12.30pm ETUpdated at 12.30pm ET
12.25pm ET17:2512.25pm ET17:25
Obama said he doesn’t need to be constrained by the emotions that tragedies like this bring up.Obama said he doesn’t need to be constrained by the emotions that tragedies like this bring up.
He said he has made countless statements like this because of repeated mass shootings in the country.He said he has made countless statements like this because of repeated mass shootings in the country.
“Now’s the time for mourning but, let’s be clear, at some point we as a country will have to reconcile the fact that these types of mass violence don’t happen in other advanced countries, with this type of frequency,” he said.“Now’s the time for mourning but, let’s be clear, at some point we as a country will have to reconcile the fact that these types of mass violence don’t happen in other advanced countries, with this type of frequency,” he said.
Updated at 12.32pm ETUpdated at 12.32pm ET
12.23pm ET17:2312.23pm ET17:23
The president said he knew several people in the church community, including Clementa Pinckney.The president said he knew several people in the church community, including Clementa Pinckney.
There is something particularly heartbreaking about death happening in a place in which we seek solace, and peace, in a place of worship, Obama said.There is something particularly heartbreaking about death happening in a place in which we seek solace, and peace, in a place of worship, Obama said.
Mother Emmanuel is more than a church, Obama said, recalling its importance in history of the civil rights movement.Mother Emmanuel is more than a church, Obama said, recalling its importance in history of the civil rights movement.
This is a sacred place in the history of Charleston and in the history of America.This is a sacred place in the history of Charleston and in the history of America.
Updated at 12.27pm ETUpdated at 12.27pm ET
12.21pm ET17:2112.21pm ET17:21
Barack Obama is now speaking about the Charleston shooting.Barack Obama is now speaking about the Charleston shooting.
Updated at 12.22pm ETUpdated at 12.22pm ET
12.10pm ET17:1012.10pm ET17:10
Barack Obama will be speaking about the tragedy shortly. You can watch his statement live below.Barack Obama will be speaking about the tragedy shortly. You can watch his statement live below.
12.00pm ET17:0012.00pm ET17:00
Mullen gave some details on the arrest, but would not elaborate further:Mullen gave some details on the arrest, but would not elaborate further:
Updated at 12.05pm ETUpdated at 12.05pm ET
11.56am ET16:5611.56am ET16:56
Mullen said the suspect was stopped because a citizen alerted law enforcement to “suspicious activity” .Mullen said the suspect was stopped because a citizen alerted law enforcement to “suspicious activity” .
11.55am ET16:5511.55am ET16:55
The outpouring of emotion from this country has been overwhelming.The outpouring of emotion from this country has been overwhelming.
“We allow ourselves to grieve, we allow ourselves to pray, we allow ourselves to question and then we allow ourselves to heal.”“We allow ourselves to grieve, we allow ourselves to pray, we allow ourselves to question and then we allow ourselves to heal.”
11.53am ET16:5311.53am ET16:53
Haley said, her voice breaking: “We woke up today and the heart and soul of South Carolina was broken.”Haley said, her voice breaking: “We woke up today and the heart and soul of South Carolina was broken.”
11.52am ET16:5211.52am ET16:52
Governor Nikki Haley is now speaking.Governor Nikki Haley is now speaking.
Updated at 11.56am ETUpdated at 11.56am ET
11.51am ET16:5111.51am ET16:51
“In America, we don’t let bad people like this get away with these dastardly deeds,” Riley said.“In America, we don’t let bad people like this get away with these dastardly deeds,” Riley said.
11.50am ET16:5011.50am ET16:50
Riley announced the creation of a Mother Emmanuel Hope Fund for those interested in donating to help the community in the wake of the shootingRiley announced the creation of a Mother Emmanuel Hope Fund for those interested in donating to help the community in the wake of the shooting
11.49am ET16:4911.49am ET16:49
Riley said that both vice-president Joe Biden and president Barack Obama called him to offer support. Obama said that he would make all federal resources available for the investigation.Riley said that both vice-president Joe Biden and president Barack Obama called him to offer support. Obama said that he would make all federal resources available for the investigation.
Updated at 11.51am ETUpdated at 11.51am ET
11.48am ET16:4811.48am ET16:48
Riley said that the “awful person”, that “terrible human being” who would go into a place of worship where people were praying and kill them, “is now in custody where he will always remain.”Riley said that the “awful person”, that “terrible human being” who would go into a place of worship where people were praying and kill them, “is now in custody where he will always remain.”
The arrest of this man, he said, “[is] important for everyone wounded by this act, which of the church family members, community members and people of America.”The arrest of this man, he said, “[is] important for everyone wounded by this act, which of the church family members, community members and people of America.”
Updated at 11.49am ETUpdated at 11.49am ET
11.45am ET16:4511.45am ET16:45
Mayor Joe Riley is now speaking.Mayor Joe Riley is now speaking.
Updated at 11.47am ETUpdated at 11.47am ET
11.45am ET16:4511.45am ET16:45
Mullen has said the cooperation between all law enforcement divisions has been “unparalleled”. The investigation is ongoing he said. “The solicitor’s office and the Attorney General’s office has been in contact all day and last night, and they are prepared to partner with us in the prosecution stage.”Mullen has said the cooperation between all law enforcement divisions has been “unparalleled”. The investigation is ongoing he said. “The solicitor’s office and the Attorney General’s office has been in contact all day and last night, and they are prepared to partner with us in the prosecution stage.”
11.43am ET16:4311.43am ET16:43
Suspect Dylann Roof arrested in Shelby North CarolinaSuspect Dylann Roof arrested in Shelby North Carolina
Charleston police chief Greg Mullen has confirmed the arrest of the suspect at a press conference.Charleston police chief Greg Mullen has confirmed the arrest of the suspect at a press conference.
Updated at 11.48am ETUpdated at 11.48am ET
11.39am ET16:3911.39am ET16:39
US attorney general Loretta Lynch has confirmed that there is ‘a suspect’ in custody.US attorney general Loretta Lynch has confirmed that there is ‘a suspect’ in custody.
BREAKING: Attorney General Lynch: `I can confirm that there is a suspect in custody' in church shooting.BREAKING: Attorney General Lynch: `I can confirm that there is a suspect in custody' in church shooting.
The FBI has also confirmed a suspect is in custody:The FBI has also confirmed a suspect is in custody:
Subject arrested in #Charleston shooting. Our sincere thanks to the public and our law enforcement partners.Subject arrested in #Charleston shooting. Our sincere thanks to the public and our law enforcement partners.
Updated at 11.48am ETUpdated at 11.48am ET
11.35am ET16:3511.35am ET16:35
The Morris Brown Church in Charleston is already filling up ahead of the noon prayer vigil:The Morris Brown Church in Charleston is already filling up ahead of the noon prayer vigil:
Morris Brown AME filling up ahead of noon service. 11:30 presser live on http://t.co/J7FeZpnNo2 #chsnews pic.twitter.com/wbNA9jmSshMorris Brown AME filling up ahead of noon service. 11:30 presser live on http://t.co/J7FeZpnNo2 #chsnews pic.twitter.com/wbNA9jmSsh
Police are stationed at the church and checking people’s bags, according to a Post & Courier reporter:Police are stationed at the church and checking people’s bags, according to a Post & Courier reporter:
Police are checking bags of people entering Morris Brown AME. #chs #CHSShooting pic.twitter.com/VorqJvyxOdPolice are checking bags of people entering Morris Brown AME. #chs #CHSShooting pic.twitter.com/VorqJvyxOd
11.27am ET16:2711.27am ET16:27
Local media are reporting that the suspect has been arrested in Shelby, North Carolina, but this has not yet been confirmed.Local media are reporting that the suspect has been arrested in Shelby, North Carolina, but this has not yet been confirmed.
Charleston PD said they will be holding a press conference in 10 minutes.Charleston PD said they will be holding a press conference in 10 minutes.
Updated at 11.29am ETUpdated at 11.29am ET
11.20am ET16:2011.20am ET16:20
Tributes to slain Democratic state senator Clementa Pinckney have been pouring in from his fellow state senators:Tributes to slain Democratic state senator Clementa Pinckney have been pouring in from his fellow state senators:
Just received a call from President Obama. He conveyed his condolences to Sen Pinckney's family, congregation, & the people of Charleston.Just received a call from President Obama. He conveyed his condolences to Sen Pinckney's family, congregation, & the people of Charleston.
A memorial on my seat mate's State Senate desk, Clementa Pinckney. RIP my friend. #EmmanuelAME pic.twitter.com/mTyipyQfNLA memorial on my seat mate's State Senate desk, Clementa Pinckney. RIP my friend. #EmmanuelAME pic.twitter.com/mTyipyQfNL
Saddest Day ever in the SC Senate. Rest in Peace Senator. You were a role model to many and loved by all. We will miss you!Saddest Day ever in the SC Senate. Rest in Peace Senator. You were a role model to many and loved by all. We will miss you!
Pinckney’s death has also been felt across all levels of government, writes my colleague Sam Thielman:Pinckney’s death has also been felt across all levels of government, writes my colleague Sam Thielman:
“We need to put today’s meeting in context with a tragedy that happened last night in Charleston, SC,” said Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler. “To many of us, that is a news item; to one of us, it is very personal. If it were not for this, meeting Commissioner Clyburn would be in Charleston today, mourning with her community.”“We need to put today’s meeting in context with a tragedy that happened last night in Charleston, SC,” said Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler. “To many of us, that is a news item; to one of us, it is very personal. If it were not for this, meeting Commissioner Clyburn would be in Charleston today, mourning with her community.”
FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, her voice breaking, thanked Wheeler and offered a tearful tribute to Pinckney, who, she said, “is part of the reason I’m sitting here before you today” because of his support in her early career.FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, her voice breaking, thanked Wheeler and offered a tearful tribute to Pinckney, who, she said, “is part of the reason I’m sitting here before you today” because of his support in her early career.
“It is an emotional day for anybody who was born in Charleston”, she said. “Or anybody who has a heart. I met Clementa Pinckney when he was a representative, and I was running for the [Public Service Commission]. I needed 50% plus one. Those of you who know me know that I can have a little bit of an aggressive demeanor. I asked and he was a little bit coy, and I asked again, and I could tell I was irritating him quite a bit. But in the end, he voted for me.“It is an emotional day for anybody who was born in Charleston”, she said. “Or anybody who has a heart. I met Clementa Pinckney when he was a representative, and I was running for the [Public Service Commission]. I needed 50% plus one. Those of you who know me know that I can have a little bit of an aggressive demeanor. I asked and he was a little bit coy, and I asked again, and I could tell I was irritating him quite a bit. But in the end, he voted for me.
“I apologize to you for the cracking in my voice. I apologize to you for the emotion I am displaying before you today. You think you have a handle on all that the world has for you and then something like this happens. Clementa and his sister deserved so much better. I hope we will be able to be beacons of light for our community in the way of that church, joined in weekly prayer.”“I apologize to you for the cracking in my voice. I apologize to you for the emotion I am displaying before you today. You think you have a handle on all that the world has for you and then something like this happens. Clementa and his sister deserved so much better. I hope we will be able to be beacons of light for our community in the way of that church, joined in weekly prayer.”
Updated at 11.23am ETUpdated at 11.23am ET
11.16am ET16:1611.16am ET16:16
The White House has said that President Obama will make a statement on the South Carolina mass shooting around 11.45am.The White House has said that President Obama will make a statement on the South Carolina mass shooting around 11.45am.
11.15am ET16:1511.15am ET16:15
US Attorney General Loretta Lynch briefly addressed the Charleston shooting this morning:US Attorney General Loretta Lynch briefly addressed the Charleston shooting this morning:
“Acts like this one have no place in our country and no place in a civilized society,” Lynch said before extending her thoughts and prayers to families of victims.“Acts like this one have no place in our country and no place in a civilized society,” Lynch said before extending her thoughts and prayers to families of victims.
Lynch encouraged local law enforcement to continue circulating the photos of the suspect, who she did not name, and encouraged citizens to report any tips to the FBI tip line.Lynch encouraged local law enforcement to continue circulating the photos of the suspect, who she did not name, and encouraged citizens to report any tips to the FBI tip line.
11.03am ET16:0311.03am ET16:03
In an interview with Reuters, Roof’s uncle Carson Cowles said his “introverted” nephew was given a gun by his father as a 21st birthday present in April:In an interview with Reuters, Roof’s uncle Carson Cowles said his “introverted” nephew was given a gun by his father as a 21st birthday present in April:
Cowles said he recognized Roof in a photo released by police, and described him as quiet and soft-spoken. Roof’s father gave him a .45-caliber pistol for his birthday this year, Cowles said.Cowles said he recognized Roof in a photo released by police, and described him as quiet and soft-spoken. Roof’s father gave him a .45-caliber pistol for his birthday this year, Cowles said.
“Nobody in my family had seen anything like this coming,” Cowles said. “I said, if it is him, and when they catch him, he’s got to pay for this.”“Nobody in my family had seen anything like this coming,” Cowles said. “I said, if it is him, and when they catch him, he’s got to pay for this.”
He said he had told his sister, Roof’s mother, several years ago that Roof was too introverted.He said he had told his sister, Roof’s mother, several years ago that Roof was too introverted.
“I said he was like 19 years old, he still didn’t have a job, a driver’s license or anything like that and he just stayed in his room a lot of the time,” Cowles said.“I said he was like 19 years old, he still didn’t have a job, a driver’s license or anything like that and he just stayed in his room a lot of the time,” Cowles said.
Updated at 11.03am ETUpdated at 11.03am ET
10.56am ET15:5610.56am ET15:56
A photograph from a Facebook profile page believed to belong to the suspect shows him wearing a jacket with two flags on the front: one is Rhodesia’s (now Zimbabwe) and the other is Apartheid-era South Africa’s.A photograph from a Facebook profile page believed to belong to the suspect shows him wearing a jacket with two flags on the front: one is Rhodesia’s (now Zimbabwe) and the other is Apartheid-era South Africa’s.
(via my colleague Enjoli Liston)(via my colleague Enjoli Liston)
10.55am ET15:5510.55am ET15:55
Charleston PD confirms Dylann Roof is church shooting suspectCharleston PD confirms Dylann Roof is church shooting suspect
The suspect is not yet in custody, the Charleston PD have told the Guardian.The suspect is not yet in custody, the Charleston PD have told the Guardian.
The Lexington County Solicitor’s office has also confirmed that Roof was arrested on 2 March for possession of a controlled substance.The Lexington County Solicitor’s office has also confirmed that Roof was arrested on 2 March for possession of a controlled substance.
10.24am ET15:2410.24am ET15:24
Suspect reportedly identifiedSuspect reportedly identified
The suspect in the shooting has been identified as 21-year-old Dylann Roof of Columbia, South Carolina by Lexington PD and Berkeley County. The FBI has confirmed to Reuters that Roof is the suspect.The suspect in the shooting has been identified as 21-year-old Dylann Roof of Columbia, South Carolina by Lexington PD and Berkeley County. The FBI has confirmed to Reuters that Roof is the suspect.
Reuters is also reporting that the suspect’s uncle recognized his nephew from the photo released. “The more I look at him, the more I’m convinced, that’s him,” said Carson Cowles, 56, in a phone interview.Reuters is also reporting that the suspect’s uncle recognized his nephew from the photo released. “The more I look at him, the more I’m convinced, that’s him,” said Carson Cowles, 56, in a phone interview.
However, a spokesman for the Charleston PD has said that a suspect has been identified but has not been confirmed. A spokeswoman for Charleston County said the suspect would be identified by the police department on Twitter imminently.However, a spokesman for the Charleston PD has said that a suspect has been identified but has not been confirmed. A spokeswoman for Charleston County said the suspect would be identified by the police department on Twitter imminently.
Suspect in #Charleston shooting identified as 21 yr old Dylann Roof. If you know his whereabouts, call 1-800-CALL-FBI pic.twitter.com/EmFL5gLMCLSuspect in #Charleston shooting identified as 21 yr old Dylann Roof. If you know his whereabouts, call 1-800-CALL-FBI pic.twitter.com/EmFL5gLMCL
It is confirmed through open source reports that the subject Dylann Storm Roof is from Lexington County. Call... http://t.co/7QEstJ1lskIt is confirmed through open source reports that the subject Dylann Storm Roof is from Lexington County. Call... http://t.co/7QEstJ1lsk
Updated at 10.24am ETUpdated at 10.24am ET
10.00am ET15:0010.00am ET15:00
A DoJ spokesperson confirmed to the Guardian that a federal investigation is under way:A DoJ spokesperson confirmed to the Guardian that a federal investigation is under way:
“The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the FBI, and the US Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina are opening a hate crime investigation into the shooting that took place at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. The investigation is parallel to and cooperative with the state’s investigation.”“The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the FBI, and the US Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina are opening a hate crime investigation into the shooting that took place at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. The investigation is parallel to and cooperative with the state’s investigation.”
9.57am ET14:579.57am ET14:57
Information about the alleged suspect is circulating on social media. We will not be publishing unconfirmed details on the suspect’s identity.Information about the alleged suspect is circulating on social media. We will not be publishing unconfirmed details on the suspect’s identity.
9.49am ET14:499.49am ET14:49
Deanna Pan of the Charleston Post & Courier points out that with nine dead, this would be the deadliest mass shooting at a house of worship in the US since 1982 (per Mother Jones’ data on mass shootings).Deanna Pan of the Charleston Post & Courier points out that with nine dead, this would be the deadliest mass shooting at a house of worship in the US since 1982 (per Mother Jones’ data on mass shootings).
In 2012, a shooting at a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin killed seven people and injured three.In 2012, a shooting at a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin killed seven people and injured three.
9.41am ET14:419.41am ET14:41
South Carolina House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford on his longtime friend Clementa Pinckney who was killed during the shooting:South Carolina House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford on his longtime friend Clementa Pinckney who was killed during the shooting:
Senator Pinckney was my friend for over 20 years. I’m speechless, heartbroken and angry. God grant his family some peace right now.Senator Pinckney was my friend for over 20 years. I’m speechless, heartbroken and angry. God grant his family some peace right now.
9.34am ET14:349.34am ET14:34
Rev Al Sharpton – who will reportedly be leading a prayer vigil for at noon in Charleston – has expressed “shock and outrage” at the killings, in a statement issued through his National Action Network (full text):Rev Al Sharpton – who will reportedly be leading a prayer vigil for at noon in Charleston – has expressed “shock and outrage” at the killings, in a statement issued through his National Action Network (full text):
What has our society come to when people in a prayer meeting in the sacred halls of a church can be shot in what is deemed a possible hate crime?What has our society come to when people in a prayer meeting in the sacred halls of a church can be shot in what is deemed a possible hate crime?
The Pastor of the church, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, worked closely with our National Action Network Chapter leader and our Vice President of Religious Affairs, Rev. Nelson Rivers. It is chilling to me that just over two months ago while I was in North Charleston over the police shooting of Walter Scott, I’m reminded that Rev. Pinckney was among the clergy who stood with me at that occasion and now he has fallen victim to senseless violence.The Pastor of the church, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, worked closely with our National Action Network Chapter leader and our Vice President of Religious Affairs, Rev. Nelson Rivers. It is chilling to me that just over two months ago while I was in North Charleston over the police shooting of Walter Scott, I’m reminded that Rev. Pinckney was among the clergy who stood with me at that occasion and now he has fallen victim to senseless violence.
We must do what we can to apprehend the killer and we must support the families involved in this tragedy. Demagoguery, increasing tension, and talk of violence will only make a mockery of what we face.”We must do what we can to apprehend the killer and we must support the families involved in this tragedy. Demagoguery, increasing tension, and talk of violence will only make a mockery of what we face.”
9.21am ET14:219.21am ET14:21
SummarySummary
Hello. Here’s an updated summary of what we know so far:Hello. Here’s an updated summary of what we know so far:
For earlier updates, here is our previous live blog, now closed.For earlier updates, here is our previous live blog, now closed.
Updated at 9.58am ETUpdated at 9.58am ET