Thursday, June 18, 2015

Charleston Church Massacre: White Gunman on Run After Nine Killed in South Carolina 'Hate Crime'
State senator feared to be among victims in Charleston

ADAM WITHNALL
Thursday 18 June 2015

Here are the latest updates:

• Nine killed in shooting at historic South Carolina church

• Police hunt white male gunman still on the run

• State senator Clementa Pinckney feared to be among victims

• Police say the incident was a 'hate crime'

• Shooting broke out during prayer meeting

• Members of congregation gather at scene of crime

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The church where the shooting took place, the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, has one of the largest and oldest black congregations in the South.

With roots in the early 19th century, the church's current building was built in 1891. It is considered a historically significant building, according to the National Park Service.

One of its founders, Denmark Vesey, tried to organize a slave revolt in 1822. He was caught, and white landowners had his church burned in revenge. Parishioners worshipped underground until after the Civil War.

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