Congressman Thompson Statement on Church Shooting in Charleston, SC

Statement

Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released the following statement regarding the shooting deaths of nine people at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina:

"Today, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the shooting at Emanuel AME Church and with the entire community of Charleston, South Carolina. Last night, a historic place of worship and peace became the site of terror and hate. This shooting is a deplorable act that harkens back to a dark time in the south when peaceful people could not avoid the rage of those with hate in their hearts, even in a place of worship.

"Based on all indications from individuals involved in this ongoing investigation, this is a hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism and state and federal authorities should approach it as such. I have no doubt that with the cooperation of state, regional and federal agencies, as well as the good people of Charleston, this killer will be brought to justice.

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