Charleston Police Chief: “I do believe this was a hate crime”

The shooting in Charleston, South Carolina at the Emanuel AME Church has left the community on edge, and police on high alert. A 21-year old white male is believed to be the primary suspect in this crime, which has reportedly left nine people dead, including State Senator Clementa Pinckney.

One of the most obvious questions to come up is whether the shooting had anything to do with race. While some were being warned not to jump to conclusions, Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen gave his speculation during a recent press conference.

“I do believe this was a hate crime,” Mullen said to a packed group of reporters on the scene. He also stated that there was a bomb threat on the area that had been alleviated after further investigation. Additionally, Mullen stated that the police department had dogs on the scent of the killer and were hoping to catch the man by midnight.

You can see Mullen’s press conference below.