On Wednesday night, a gunman opened fire at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Nine people total were killed. The man identified as the primary suspect in the shooting, Daryl Roof, was taken into custody by police in Shelby, N.C. on Thursday. Witnesses say Roof stood up in the church and said he was there “to shoot black people.”
The tragedy in Charleston has stunned the nation and many politicians from the President of the United States to 2016 presidential candidates have expressed their sympathies and outrage on social media and other outlets. Here are some of those responses:
U.S. President Barack Obama
“Now is the time for mourning and healing, but let’s be clear: At some point as a country, we have to reckon with the fact that this type of mass violence does not happen in other advanced countries. It is in our power to do something about it… I say this knowing the politics in this town foreclose a lot of those opportunities.” – President Obama, 6/18/15
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley
Michael, Rena, Nalin and I are praying for the victims and families touched by tonight’s senseless tragedy at Emanuel…
Posted by Nikki Haley on Wednesday, June 17, 2015
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (S.C.)
Every decent person has been victimized by the hateful, callous disregard for human life shown by this individual. #PrayersForCharleston
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) June 18, 2015
U.S. Senator Tim Scott (S.C.)
This senseless tragedy at a place of worship-where we come together to laugh,love&rejoice in God's name-is despicable&can't be understood
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) June 18, 2015
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders
The Charleston church killings are a tragic reminder of the ugly stain of racism that still taints our nation. http://t.co/31Gy6sgIGK
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) June 18, 2015
Dr. Ben Carson
My heart aches for the families of the #Charleston victims. I also pray you and I can conquer hatred. #heal https://t.co/2LXqYugPAn
— Dr. Ben Carson (@RealBenCarson) June 18, 2015
Hillary Clinton
Heartbreaking news from Charleston – my thoughts and prayers are with you all. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 18, 2015
U.S. Senator Rand Paul
Kelley and I are praying for everyone affected by this senseless tragedy in Charleston.
— Dr. Rand Paul (@RandPaul) June 18, 2015
Martin O’Malley
My heart goes out to the victims of this tragedy & their loved ones. Katie & I are keeping Charleston & the AME community in our prayers.
— Martin O'Malley (@GovernorOMalley) June 18, 2015
Jeb Bush
Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and families affected by the tragic events in Charleston.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) June 18, 2015
Photo Source: AP