Governor Nikki Haley’s statement on Charleston church shooting:
“Michael, Rena, Nalin and I are praying for the victims and families touched by tonight’s senseless tragedy at Emanuel AME Church. While we do not yet know all of the details, we do know that we’ll never understand what motivates anyone to enter one of our places of worship and take the life of another. Please join us in lifting up the victims and their families with our love and prayers.”
Lt. Governor Henry McMaster’s statement on Charleston church shooting:
“Senator Clementa Pinckney embodied the greatness and virtue of South Carolina. He was among the finest of men. He touched many lives. We pray that the families, loved ones, and friends of all the victims of this senseless tragedy find some peace in knowing that the entire state grieves with them.”
Senator Hugh Leatherman’s statement on Charleston church shooting:
“It is with heartache and sadness to learn that one of our beloved Senators has been killed in the brutal massacre at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston last night. Senator Clementa C. Pinckney was a leader in the Senate of South Carolina, a strong advocate for his constituents, a great pastor and community leader, but most importantly, a cherished and loved husband, father and son. The entire Senate of South Carolina extends our love and sympathy to Jennifer, Eliana, Malana, and to the rest of his family.
Our hearts and prayers also extend to the families of the other victims of this unspeakable act.
The victims were in a Bible study, learning the Word of God, in one of the most beloved institutions in our State whose roots go back to the dark days of slavery. What happened last night is incomprehensible.
We ask that all law enforcement departments work diligently and swiftly to apprehend the suspect and bring swift justice to him. Any and all resources should be used on a local, state and national level.
May God Bless Senator Pinckney’s family, the families of the other victims, the members of Emanuel AME Church, and all of South Carolina.”
SC House Speaker Jay Lucas’ statement on Charleston church shooting:
“As a loving father, husband and dedicated public servant, Clementa Pinckney was a man of honor and sought to make a difference in the lives of others. Having served with him for a short time in the South Carolina House and continuing our friendship after his move to the Senate, Clementa held firm to his convictions and his integrity was a direct reflection of the love he shared for Christ. Senator Pinckney’s calming presence will be missed in Columbia and across South Carolina, but I am certain his legacy will live on. Tracy and I extend our thoughts and heartfelt prayers to Clementa’s family, the victims and their families of this act of violence, the Emanuel AME congregation and the Charleston community as we begin to heal from this senseless tragedy.”
Representative Alan Clemmons’ statement on Charleston church shooting:
“My thoughts and prayers are with The family of Clementa Pinckney, and the families of all those killed and injured while praying together last night at Charleston’s Emmanuel AME Church. Having just learned of this brutal and disgusting act of hate, I’m in shock! I served with Clementa in the General Assembly and counted him as a friend. Clementa served his State and his constituents with dignity. While we were on opposite sides of the aisle I was always impressed with his love and advocacy for the quiet voices of South Carolina. So senseless. May God bless and sustain South Carolina and the families of the victims during this difficult time.”
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal’s statement on Charleston church shooting:
“This morning we are all trying to make sense of this senseless act. This is pure evil. It’s infuriating. Mankind’s capacity for evil is horrific.I’m enraged by this ungodly act and my heart breaks for these families. I hurt for them. To happen in a place of worship is unconscionable. They were opening their hearts to God and lifting their concerns up to Him.”
“Every American needs to take a few minutes today, and in the days to come, to pray for the families of those murdered last night. They all need the comfort and peace only God can provide and we should all pray they will find it.We also need to ask everyone who might know this suspect to have the courage to come forward and help the police apprehend him. Justice must be done and this killer must face the consequences of his awful actions. This monster needs to hunted down and brought to justice.”
Senator Vincent Sheheen’s Tweet on Clementa Pinckney’s death (attached with a photo from slide show above):
“A memorial on my seat mate’s State Senate desk, Clementa Pinckney. RIP my friend.”
9 dead after shooting at Charleston church, shooter still on the run
State Senator, pastor dead after shooting at historic Charleston church
