Congresswoman Terri Sewell issued the following statement after the fatal shooting at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina. 

“I am deeply saddened by the shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Nine innocent people lost their lives in an unspeakable hate crime, and I mourn for their loss alongside our nation.  

“Earlier this year, our country commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches, which demonstrated that the power of non-violence and collective action can achieve extraordinary social change.  

“This fatal church shooting reminds us that there is still much work to be done. We must teach our children the lessons we learned from the past. Hatred and violence are never the answer. The strength of this nation lies in our diversity. We must respect our differences, and promote love and understanding over hatred and violence.”

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