According to police reports, nine people have been killed in a shooting at a prominent black church in Charleston, South Carolina early Thursday morning.

“I do believe this was a hate crime,” Police Chief Gregory Mullen said.

It is reported that eight of the victims were pronounced dead at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The ninth victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Among the dead is the pastor of the church, Senator (Dem) Clementa Pinckney.

Officials explain a “prayer meeting” was taking place when the shooting occurred. Mayor Joe Riley stated “It is the most intolerable and unbelievable act possible… The only reason someone could walk into church and shoot people praying is out of hate.”

Said Police Chief Mullen added: “This is a tragedy that no community should have to experience. It is senseless. It is unfathomable that someone would walk into a church when people are having a prayer meeting and take their lives.”

The suspect is a white male in his 20s.

UPDATE 01:48 EDT: Police are continuing the investigation at the scene of the shooting, pushing civilians back a number of blocks. There was also a bomb scare at one point but that has since been determined to be false.

Police and the mayor held a press conference earlier, explaining the focus of their efforts at this time is on capturing the shooter. All available local, state and federal resources are being used to apprehend the shooter.

(YWN – News Desk)