Nine people have been shot to death at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina, on Wednesday night.
Calling it "the worst night of my career," Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen said a gunman entered the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church during a prayer meeting and opened fire. Eight people were found dead at the scene. Two others were transported to a hospital, where one later died, Mullen said.
The suspect, a white male around 21 years old, was still at large. Mullen called on the public and the media to contact police with any information they may have, stating a reward would be offered, with the amount to be announced later today.
"I do believe this is a hate crime, it will be investigated as a hate crime. The only reason someone could walk into a church and shoot people praying is out of hate. It is the most dastardly act that one could possibly imagine, said the Police chief.
The suspect was described by authorities as being clean shaven with sandy blond hair and a slender build, wearing a gray sweatshirt and blue jeans with Timberland boots.
As police searched for the shooter, worshippers and other members of the community gathered to mourn and pray.
The shootings took place around 9 p.m.
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