Charleston SC shooting news conference with mayor and police - main points
local reporter comments before the news conference: Senator/Reverand Clementa Pinckney reported to have been killed. Was participating in the Bible study tonight. Participated in the welcome of Hillary today.
Police rep - "Worst night of my career - tragedy. at 9:05 received a call of a shooting at the church. Officers found a number of victims inside, others transported to trauma center. 8 dead inside of church, 2 transported to trauma, 1 died - so total of 9 victims.
Unified command working the investigation, tracking leads, still searching for the individual who carried out the crime. White male, sandy blonde hair, 21 or so years old, extremely dangerous - asking all who have info to call in and share it. Resources being flown in from DC to help. All resources into finding the person to did the shooting. Senseless tragedy, unfathomable that someone today would walk into a church during a prayer meeting and take their lives. "
Not able to release victim's names at this time. Chaotic scene, tracking the shooter with canines, info on a possible secondary explosive device - needed to ensure everyone was safe - regular updates to come. Primary emphasis is catching the shooter."
Mayor - "unspeakable and heartbreaking tragedy. People in prayer on a Wed evening, a ritual, coming together, worshiping, to have an awful person come in and shoot them is inexplicable - intolerable, unbelievable act. Need to capture the awful person and bring him to justice.
Just spoke to family - most heartbreaking scene of his life. This community sends their love to them -we are all in this together. Need to bring the awful person to justice as soon as possible.
There will be a reward offered tomorrow. Media may get info - plea for the media to share it with law enforcement. Not discussing specifics of the investigation at this time.
There are survivors, not talking numbers right now. Not identifying victims.
Believes this was a hate crime - FBI will be in on the investigation regardless.
Only reason someone could do this is out of hate. There is only one gunman, and he is still out there.
Opportunity for the community to unite - pray for the families, come together to help to find the shooter - and to say this is enough - if we stand up together, we can stop this violence. Understands that people will be very upset.
Presiding elder of the church - Norvel - comments: one voice speaks for the AME church - Bishop Norris - reinforces what the police and mayor said. Prayer vigil at noon tomorrow. Entire community should pray for safety for their people, and that the perp of the hate crime be brought to justice.
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