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Charleston shooting: Mitt Romney tells South Carolina - take down the Confederate flag Charleston shooting: Mitt Romney tells South Carolina - take down the Confederate flag
(about 2 hours later)
Mitt Romney has spoken out against the South Carolina state capitol’s Confederate flag in the wake of the mass shooting in Charleston.Mitt Romney has spoken out against the South Carolina state capitol’s Confederate flag in the wake of the mass shooting in Charleston.
In doing so, the 2016 presidential hopeful becomes the second Republican candidate to acknowledge the mass shooting as a racial issue.In doing so, the 2016 presidential hopeful becomes the second Republican candidate to acknowledge the mass shooting as a racial issue.
Take down the #ConfederateFlag at the SC Capitol. To many, it is a symbol of racial hatred. Remove it now to honor #Charleston victims.Take down the #ConfederateFlag at the SC Capitol. To many, it is a symbol of racial hatred. Remove it now to honor #Charleston victims.
 
The suspected terrorist Dylann Roof was pictures in various photos with the Confederate flag. Mr Roof reportedly told his friends that he wanted to start a race war.The suspected terrorist Dylann Roof was pictures in various photos with the Confederate flag. Mr Roof reportedly told his friends that he wanted to start a race war.
Mr Romney has previously spoken out against the flag during the 2008 presidential debate stating that it "shouldn't be" and "that it's not a flag I recognise," the Washington Times reported.Mr Romney has previously spoken out against the flag during the 2008 presidential debate stating that it "shouldn't be" and "that it's not a flag I recognise," the Washington Times reported.
Fellow Republican Jeb Bush also called for the flag's removal in a statement issued via Facebook on Saturday.Fellow Republican Jeb Bush also called for the flag's removal in a statement issued via Facebook on Saturday.
My perspective on the Confederate flag issue: http://t.co/4HG9CPuz92 pic.twitter.com/As7iKYE78wMy perspective on the Confederate flag issue: http://t.co/4HG9CPuz92 pic.twitter.com/As7iKYE78w
However, other 2016 presidential candidates have disagreed with Mr Romney and Mr Bush.However, other 2016 presidential candidates have disagreed with Mr Romney and Mr Bush.
Carly Fiorina, Republican candidate and former Hewlett-Packard CEO, said the decision on the flag should be up to South Carolina.Carly Fiorina, Republican candidate and former Hewlett-Packard CEO, said the decision on the flag should be up to South Carolina.
"I think it's clearly a symbol that is very offensive to many, but my personal opinion is not what's relevant here," she said. "What's relevant here is what the people of South Carolina choose to do next.""I think it's clearly a symbol that is very offensive to many, but my personal opinion is not what's relevant here," she said. "What's relevant here is what the people of South Carolina choose to do next."
Texas Senator Ted Cruz agreed. Mr Cruz told the Washington Post that the state should ultimately decide the controversial flag's fate.Texas Senator Ted Cruz agreed. Mr Cruz told the Washington Post that the state should ultimately decide the controversial flag's fate.
“Both those who see a history of racial oppression and a history of slavery, which is the original sin of our nation, and we fought a bloody civil war to expunge that sin," he said.“Both those who see a history of racial oppression and a history of slavery, which is the original sin of our nation, and we fought a bloody civil war to expunge that sin," he said.