Charleston Massacre: Dylann Storm Roof Sought As Alleged Gunman Who Killed 9 At South Carolina Church

Dylann Storm Roof allegedly opened fired inside Charleston’s historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church Wednesday evening, leaving the church’s pastor and eight others dead. A manhunt for the killer is underway.

Dylann Storm Roof Sought In Manhunt For Charleston Massacre Killer

Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen has described Roof as a caucasian male with a slight build and sandy blond hair. The 21-year-old is clean shaven and was wearing a gray sweatshirt with blue jeans and Timberland boots at the time of the shooting. Police say that Roof is driving dark-colored 2000 Hyundai Elantra GS.

Chief Mullen has asked that if anyone is to spot Roof that they immediately call 911, as he is thought to be armed and dangerous. Roof is pictured above following an April 26 arrest on a trespassing charge.

On Wednesday night, Roof entered AME and spent roughly an hour inside the church at a prayer meeting before he opened fire at approximately 9 p.m. Eight of Roof’s victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Two more were rushed to the hospital, where another victim passed away. The only victim who has been identified is the church’s pastor, state Sen. Clementa Pinckney.

The Department of Justice, FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office are launching a hate crime investigation into the massacre, which ended the lives of six black women and three black men.

“This is a tragedy that no community should have to experience,” Chief Mullen said. “It is senseless and unfathomable in today’s society that someone would walk into a church during a prayer meeting and take their lives.”

“No one in this community will ever forget this night and as a result of this and because of the pain and the hurt this individual has caused this entire community,” Mulled added. “The law enforcement agents are committed and we will catch this individual.”