Police and federal law enforcement agencies were in the midst of an all-out manhunt this morning for the gunman they say is responsible for killing nine people in a Charleston, South Carolina, church Wednesday night in what officials described as a hate crime.
The suspect opened fire on a bible study group at the historic predominantly black Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street, killing eight people in an “unfathomable” act of violence. One other person was rushed to the hospital and died. Police originally said two people were hospitalized.
Police said the alleged gunman, whom the mayor called a “horrible scoundrel,” was inside the church attending the prayer meeting with worshipers for almost an hour.
Police Release Photos of Charleston, South Carolina, Church Shooting Suspect – ABC News.