Multiple fatalities have been reported after a gunman opened fire at a historic African-American church in downtown Charleston, S.C., reported CNN.
Nine people were killed in the shooting, which took place at approximately 9 p.m. at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on Wednesday evening, according to Reuters.
"We're still gathering information, so it's not the time yet for details," said Mayor Joe Riley. "I will say that this is an unspeakable and heartbreaking tragedy in this most historic church, an evil and hateful person took the lives of citizens who had come to worship and pray together."
Police initiated a manhunt for the suspect, who has been described as a 21-year-old white male, with a slender build, wearing a gray sweatshirt/hoodie, jeans and Timberland boots. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact emergency services, according to the Washington Post.
Officers swarmed the scene, equipped with bulletproof vests and weapons, and police cars are patrolling the streets several blocks from the church in search of the suspect. Authorities urged people to stay indoors or keep away from the area, according to the Charleston Post and Courier.
"I know I speak to all the citizens of our community as I express my most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the Emanuel AME church members who were killed tonight. We will comfort and support them as we work through this time of great heartbreak," said Riley.
