South Carolina In Lock Down as Police hunt for gun man responsible for 9 deaths

by Sonny Jones | Unites States

Manhunt on for gunman who killed 9 at South Carolina church prayer meeting

Charleston Police  arrived the scene last night.(
Credit: via Fox News.)

There is an ongoing massive hunt for a gunman in the US State of South Carolina where a gun man shot 9 people dead in the early hours of today.

The man reportedly waited for up to an hour outside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston before opening fire, killing 6 women and 3 men, prompting Police to classify the shooting as a hate crime.  It began about 9pm on Wednesday night.

Mayor of Charleston, S.C. Mayor Joseph Riley said it was unimaginable, according to a Fox News report.  He said "This is an unspeakable and unfathomable act by somebody filled with hate and a deranged mind."

Authorities have described him as white, between 18 and 25 and with distinctive marks and the public have been advised not to approach the who is extremely dangerous.

"Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen said the gunman, described as clean-shaven and approximately 21 years old with sandy blonde hair and a slender build, was still at large. Police said the man was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt with blue jeans and Timberland boots." according to a Fox News report.

The Police chief said “We are committed to do whatever is necessary to bring this individual to justice,” and that the suspect “should not be approached by anyone.”

He was later identified as Dylan Storm Roof (21).

Read more about the SC shooting here.