Charleston Shooting Suspect Dylann Roof, 21, Apprehended
Dylann Roof, the alleged gunman authorities say is responsible for killing nine people in a Charleston, South Carolina, church Wednesday night, has been apprehended, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said.
The FBI and Charleston police had earlier identified the Lexington, South Carolina, man, 21, as the suspect.
The suspect opened fire on a bible study group at the historic predominantly black Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street, killing eight people in an "unfathomable" act of violence. One other person was rushed to the hospital and died. Police originally said two people were hospitalized.
Police said the alleged gunman, whom the mayor called a "horrible scoundrel," was inside the church attending the prayer meeting with worshipers for almost an hour.
Police said three of the victims were males and six were females. Their ages were not clear.
Three people survived the shooting, but details about them were not immediately available.
"This is a situation that is unacceptable in any society and especially in our society and our city," Charleston Police Chief Gregory Mullen said.
Early this morning, police released pictures from surveillance footage showing the suspect, a white man, approximately 21 to 25 years old, as well as the car he was driving, police said.
"This is an extremely dangerous individual," Mullen said.
The suspect was described as approximately 5-foot-9, wearing a sweatshirt with distinctive markings and Timberland boots, police said.
Roof may be driving a black Hyundai with vehicle tag LGF330, police said.
"This is an all-hands-on deck effort with the community and law enforcement," Mullen said.
The Charleston County School District is on precautionary lockdown today as the search continues.
Police said they had set up a tip line -- 1-800-CALL-FBI -- advised the public to be alert and said to call 911 and not approach.
Attorney General Loretta Lynch said today that she urges people to circulate photos of the suspect and asked that any tips be reported to police.
"Acts like this one have no place in our country. They have no place in a civilized society," Lynch said. "And I want to be clear: the individual who committed these unspeakable acts will be found and will face justice."