Eleven years after a racist gunman murdered nine parishioners during a Bible study in the basement of Charleston’s Emanuel A.M.E. Church, South Carolinians paused Wednesday to remember the tragedy.
“Eleven years ago today, South Carolina witnessed a horrific act of hatred and violence at Mother Emanuel AME Church,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in a June 17 social media statement. “We remember the nine lives taken in this tragedy and continue to pray for their families, loved ones, and the congregation.”
In the aftermath of the massacre, S.C. lawmakers voted to remove the Confederate flag from the Statehouse grounds, though the state remains one of only two without a hate crimes law. Efforts to close the “Charleston loophole” that allowed the killer to purchase his gun illegally also remain stymied at the federal and state levels.
In Charleston, the church held its annual day of remembrance with prayer, reflection focused on the theme, “Out of many, we are one.”
Emanuel’s pastor, the Rev. Eric Manning, said the support of the community 11 years after the tragedy showed the church that it wasn’t alone: “We are a community and though this horrific event took place here at Mother Emanuel, the members and founders continue to heal through their process, and it is always encouraging when the community comes together and rallies.”
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