Dylann Roof

Mass Murderer

Dylann Roof and the 2015 Charleston Church Shooting

Overview of the Crime

On the evening of June 17, 2015, 21-year-old Dylann Storm Roof carried out a racially motivated mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston, South Carolina. The church, often referred to as "Mother Emanuel," is one of the oldest Black churches in the United States and has long been a symbol of faith and resilience in the African American community. Roof, who had been planning the attack for months, joined a Bible study session at the church that evening. After nearly an hour of sitting with the group, he opened fire, killing nine parishioners. His stated goal was to start a "race war." The massacre shocked the nation and brought renewed attention to issues of racism, hate crimes, and gun violence in the United States.

The Victims

The nine victims, all African American, were attending the Wednesday night Bible study when Roof carried out his attack. They were remembered for their faith, community involvement, and dedication to the church. Their names and details are as follows:

• Clementa C. Pinckney – 41, South Carolina state senator and pastor of Emanuel AME Church.
• Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd – 54, longtime Charleston librarian, dedicated to literacy and education.
• Susie Jackson – 87, church member and motherly figure to many, the oldest victim.
• Ethel Lee Lance – 70, sexton of the church, worked there for over 30 years.
• Depayne Middleton-Doctor – 49, admissions counselor and singer in the church choir.
• Tywanza Sanders – 26, recent college graduate and the youngest victim, who tried to shield others.
• Daniel Simmons Sr. – 74, a retired pastor who regularly attended Bible study.
• Sharonda Coleman-Singleton – 45, speech therapist and high school track coach.
• Myra Thompson – 59, Bible study teacher leading the session on the night of the attack.

Aftermath

Dylann Roof was arrested the next day in Shelby, North Carolina, after a multi-state manhunt. He later confessed to the crime and showed no remorse. In December 2016, he was convicted in federal court on 33 counts, including hate crimes, obstruction of religion, and firearms charges. In January 2017, Roof was sentenced to death, becoming the first person in U.S. history to receive a federal death sentence for a hate crime. The tragedy at Emanuel AME Church sparked national conversations about racism, white supremacy, and the symbolism of the Confederate flag, which was subsequently removed from the South Carolina State House grounds. The victims have since been memorialized for their faith and strength, and the event remains a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (9)

Sharonda Coleman-Singleton 45 yr old Female

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Dylann Roof

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