9 Killed in South Carolina Church Shooting; "Hate Crime," Say Police

Washington:  A white gunman shot and killed nine people at a historic black church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina late on Wednesday, the police chief said.

“There were eight deceased individuals inside of the church. Two individuals were transported to (the hospital). One of them has died. At this point, we have nine victims in this hideous crime that has been committed,” Charleston Police Chief Gregory Mullen told journalists.

“I do believe it was a hate crime,” Mr Mullen said. A white male suspect in his early 20s remained at large after the shooting.