A mass shooting at an historic black church in Charleston, S.C., is drawing reaction of shock, outrage, grief and support for the church members in what officials are calling a hate crime.
Police and witnesses said a gunman shot and killed participants in a prayer meeting Wednesday night at Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston. The Associated Press reported that a South Carolina state senator, Clementa Pinckney, was among those killed. Pinckney is pastor of the church. Update: Who were the victims of the Charleston church shooting?
Emanuel AME Church is an historic African-American church that traces its roots to 1816 and has been called "Mother Church," according to its web site. Located on Calhoun Street in the heart of downtown Charleston, the church claims one of the largest black congregations south of Baltimore. It is believed to be the oldest AME church in the South. Atlanta's Big Bethel AME Church, located on Auburn Avenue, was founded in 1847, according to its web site.
The AJC is providing an online guest book for readers and others to express condolences and support for the Emanuel AME Church.
Express condolences and support in our online guest book or choose an individual guest book
Rev. Clementa Pinckney, pastor and state senator. Obituary | Condolences
Ethel Lance, 70, church employee. Obituary | Condolences
Tywanza Sanders, 26. Obituary | Condolences
Daniel Simmons Sr., 74, ministerial staff. Obituary | Condolences
Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45, teacher and coach. Obituary | Condolences
Myra Thompson, 59, pastor. Obituary | Condolences
Depayne Middleton Doctor, 49, church member. Obituary | Condolences
Susie Jackson, 87, church member. Obituary | Condolences
Cynthia Hurd, 54, librarian. Obituary | Condolences
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