America Mourns Victims of Church Massacre

The nation reels in shock over the church massacre in South Carolina. 

Read: 21-Year-Old Suspect Arrested For Shooting in South Carolina Church 

All over the world, people are in a state of shock. Their mourning and singing has been televised. In New York City, people gathered at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church for prayer. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill paused to pray.

President Obama spoke about the tragedy saying, "To say that our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families and their community doesn't say enough to convey the heartache, the sadness, and the anger that we feel." 

The slain pastor of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, was also a popular, elected state senator. His shocked colleagues in the South Carolina legislature paid tribute to him today.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Hailey was in tears as she spoke of the shooting, saying, "The heart and soul of South Carolina is gone." 

Sylvia Johnson, Reverend Pickney's cousin, spoke to INSIDE EDITION. She said, "He was our shining star. He loved his family. He loved people. That is a trait that my family carries." 

Hillary Clinton was campaigning in South Carolina the night of the shooting. She tweeted: 

Heartbreaking news from Charleston - my thoughts and prayers are with you all. -H

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 18, 2015

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The shooting is the top trending topic in the country. Actress Debra Messing tweeted:

Sending prayers to all of those touched by the horrific tragedy in Charleston...??

— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) June 18, 2015

Kerry Washington tweeted: "Prayers for #Charleston"

Prayers for #Charleston

— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) June 18, 2015

John Legend simply wrote: "Charleston. My heart hurts."

Charleston. My heart hurts.

— John Legend (@johnlegend) June 18, 2015

 Watch Below: Supsect Arrested in South Carolina Church Shooting