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Charleston church shooting suspect named as Dylann Roof – latest updates Charleston church shooting suspect Dylann Roof in custody – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
11.56am ET16:56
Mullen said the suspect was stopped because a citizen alerted law enforcement to “suspicious activity” .
11.55am ET16:55
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.”
11.53am ET16:53
Haley said, her voice breaking: “We woke up today and the heart and soul of South Carolina was broken.”
11.52am ET16:52
Governor Nikki Haley is now speaking.
Updated at 11.56am ET
11.51am ET16:51
“In America, we don’t let bad people like this get away with these dastardly deeds,” Riley said.
11.50am 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 shooting
11.49am 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.
Updated at 11.51am ET
11.48am 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.”
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 ET
11.45am ET16:45
Mayor Joe Riley is now speaking.
Updated at 11.47am ET
11.45am 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.”
11.43am ET16:43
Suspect Dylann Roof arrested in Shelby North Carolina
Charleston police chief Greg Mullen has confirmed the arrest of the suspect at a press conference.
Updated at 11.48am ET
11.39am ET16:39
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.
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.
Updated at 11.48am ET
11.35am ET16:35
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/wbNA9jmSsh
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/VorqJvyxOd
11.27am ET16:27
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.
Updated 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