Congresswoman Adams Statement on Charleston Church Mass Shooting

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12) today released the following statement in response to the shooting of nine people who were attending bible study at the oldest African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in the South, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina:

"I was sickened to learn nine parishioners were murdered in Charleston, in a disgusting act of violence. The pastor of the church, Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney, who was also a South Carolina State Senator; as well as North Carolina State Senator Malcolm Graham's sister, were among the nine.

"These senseless murders are incredibly heartbreaking. I will be keeping the family and friends of all of the victims, as well as the entire Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and surrounding community in my prayers.

"Today we must join together to stand against evil acts of violence and hate. I hope to see justice prevail in this case."