Hate Crime in an American Church

The young alleged murderer of the nine people killed Wednesday evening in a church that is regularly attended by the Black community in Charleston, South Carolina, has been arrested.

After a 14-hour hunt, the police, who disseminated a photo of the suspect and called for reinforcements from the federal police (FBI) and from the capital in Washington, was arrested a man about 400 kilometers away from the scene of the shooting.
According to the local daily newspaper Post and Courier, the FBI identified the alleged shooter as Dylann Roof, a young white man, 21 years of age. His 56-year old uncle stated that he recognized him from the video surveillance images. The firearm was given to him as a birthday present in April.

In all probability, this is the man who, at about 9 p.m. local time, barged into the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church before opening fire on the worshipers, killing 8 people and fatally injuring one. The officiating pastor, Reverend Clementa Pinckne, was one of the first victims. A bomb threat warning was also triggered and the area was evacuated. Several ambulances were dispatched to near the church and a significant police presence was at the scene. This church is one of the oldest places of worship for the black community in the city.