Black Community Reacts To Charleston Church Shooting

Last night’s tragic shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina has left many people numb. Nine people, including South Carolina state senator and pastor, Reverend Clementa Pinckney -- were shot to death by suspected gunman Dylann Storm Roof.

As the investigation surrounding the shooting continues, many public figures have expressed their thoughts via social media. Check out a few below.

How can a church protect itself from this kind of violence? @tvonetv #NewsOneNow

— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) June 18, 2015

The young man at large in Charleston, SC did not create terrorism, he reflects terrorism. Pray for the families & the nation.

— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) June 18, 2015

Was already weary. Was already heavy hearted. Was already tired.
Where can we be safe? Where can we be free? Where can we be black?

— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) June 18, 2015

NAACP: "no greater coward than a criminal who enters a house of God & slaughters innocent people engaged in study of scripture" #Charleston

— T.J. Holmes (@tjholmes) June 18, 2015

Sending all my morning prayers to the people of the Emanuel AME Church and the residents of Charleston. Our hearts are heavy.

— IG: @UncleRUSH (@UncleRUSH) June 18, 2015

From Paris to Charleston, the sacred boundaries of houses of worship is being crossed by violence!!

— A. R. Bernard (@ARBernard) June 18, 2015

Dear Rachel: This is what a REAL #HateCrime looks like #CharlesShooting

— MichaelaAngela Davis (@MichaelaAngelaD) June 18, 2015

Interesting. The suspect is unknown and at large. But already he being discussed as mentally ill? Oh, okay. #CharlestonShooting

— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) June 18, 2015

An attack upon a house of worship is by its very nature an act of TERRORISM - cnt be tolerated in a civilized society #CharlestionShooting

— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) June 18, 2015

Several people know this particular terrorist. Generations of Americans know this terrorism. A nation at large, relentlessly excusing it. #AMEShooting #Charleston

A photo posted by Jesse Williams (@ijessewilliams) on Jun 18, 2015 at 7:01am PDT

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.