Honoring the Mother Emanuel Nine, 8 years later.

Saturday Marks Eighth Anniversary of Charleston Church Shooting

Saturday marked the eighth anniversary of the tragic Charleston, South Carolina shooting at Emanuel AME Church, also known as Mother Emanuel. This heartbreaking event took the lives of nine members of a Bible study group during their routine weekly gathering.

Remembering the “Emanuel Nine”

On June 23, the church will host a special humanitarian awards program in memory of the nine victims who tragically lost their lives on June 17, 2015. These victims, affectionately known as the “Emanuel Nine,” will forever be remembered for their unwavering faith and dedication. Additionally, the church plans to break ground on a memorial honoring these individuals later this year. In a touching ceremony held on Saturday, a Freedom Memorial Garden was opened to honor Susie Jackson, one of the victims.

Sen. Tim Scott Reflects on the Shooting

During the South Carolina Republican Convention in March, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) took a moment to reflect on the immediate aftermath of the shooting. He highlighted the support he received from then-Rep. Tusli Gabbard, a Democrat, who flew all the way from Hawaii to show her solidarity. This powerful display of unity transcended party lines and showcased the resilience of the Charleston community.

Justice Served

In 2021, the Department of Justice made amends by paying a total of $88 million to the victims and their families. This compensation included $63 million for the families of the nine people killed and an additional $25 million for the five survivors who were present inside the church during the shooting. The payment was a result of a faulty background check that allowed the shooter to obtain the gun used in this heinous act, which was rightfully classified as a hate crime.

The perpetrator, Dylann Roof, who was 21 years old at the time of the killings, was ultimately convicted in federal court and sentenced to death in 2017. Currently 27 years old, Roof is now appealing his case with the United States Supreme Court.

Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.