U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on the Shooting at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina

U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on the Shooting at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Gregory Meeks released the following statement regarding the shooting that took place this morning at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston, South Carolina:

“I am devastated by news of this morning’s shooting at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina which resulted in the deaths of 9 people who were gathered for a prayer meeting. My profound condolences go out to the victims, their families, the community, and our nation as we mourn this incredible loss.

“Emanuel AME Church was established in 1816 and is one of the oldest African American churches in America. For well over a century Emanuel AME Church has been a historic and sacred place of worship and safe harbor for all races and religions. This tragic and hateful act of violence cannot be tolerated and our nation must come together during this time of sorrow to stand in solidarity with the victims and their families. As a nation, we must take a stand against racial hatred. I commend the law enforcement officials who put their lives at risk to capture the individual suspected of committing this heinous crime and to bring the families of the victims justice.”