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CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) –
The suspect accused of fatally shooting nine people at Emanuel AME Church Wednesday night has been identified.
Law enforcement officers in Columbia have identified the shooter as 21-year-old Dylann Roof. Authorities say a manhunt is underway for Roof.
According to police, nine people were killed after shots were fired during a prayer meeting inside Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street around 9:05 p.m. Police Chief Greg Mullen said officers arrived to find eight people dead inside the church. A ninth victim died later at a nearby hospital.
Three people survived the attack, Mullen said.
Elder James Johnson, President of the Charleston Chapter of the National Action News, said SC Senator Clementa C. Pinckney was one of the nine shot and killed inside the church. Pinckney, 41, served as pastor for Emanuel AME in addition to his role as a state senator for District 45.
Mullen said the gunman sat through an hour-long bible study before he began shooting church members. He then fled the scene.
Charleston Police released surveillance photos of the suspect during a 6 a.m. news conference. They also released a photo of the vehicle he allegedly drove away in.
The suspect is described as a white male, 21 years old, slender/small build, gray sweat shirt, blue jeans and clean shaven. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
Mullen said the shooting occurred during a prayer meeting at the church. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the nine victims, but did say three males and six females were killed.
