Local leaders express sympathy for South Carolina shooting victims

With the capture of Dylann Roof, the man accused of opening fire, killing nine people and injuring three inside a black church, comes the long and painful healing process.

Local leaders and community figures throughout Boston have extended their sympathies and are calling for peace, prayer and unity following the mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

“We all need to help,” Mayor Marty Walsh said. “We created a fund. There will be a community vigil tomorrow evening.”

CBS News reports that Walsh has spoken with Boston Police Commissioner William Evans to offer support and police security to local clergy.

“Anyone that feels concerned — we will take action to protect any churches. We’re going to be working today to make sure people feel safe,” Walsh said. Governor Baker also spoke out and described the shooting as a “monumental tragedy for everyone involved.”

Rev. Gregory G. Groover Sr. pastor of The Historic Charles Street AME Church spoke to the Boston Globe following the attack and stated that he knew the pastor of the Charleston Church, who was killed in the shootings.

“We have to get together and see each other and pray as one community for the healing and for the families of the victims,” Groover said.

He also said that his church would host a joint prayer service for AME churches in the area at 6 p.m. Sunday. Roof, 21, was apprehended on Thursday afternoon following an all-night manhunt.