The Latest on Church Shooting: Official: Suspect in Custody

CHARLESTON, SC. (AP – WTVQ) —  U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch says a suspect is in custody in the fatal shooting inside a historic black church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.

"I can confirm that there is a suspect in custody," she said.

She gave no other details.

Nine people including the pastor were killed in the Wednesday night shooting. An intense manhunt followed.

Police earlier identified the suspect as 21-year-old Dylann Roof of Lexington, South Carolina. They released surveillance video photographs of the gunman and a dark colored sedan he may have used to get away.

Charleston police Chief Greg Mullen says Roof stayed at a prayer meeting for nearly an hour before he opened fire. Among the dead was state Sen. Clementa Pinckney.

Authorities have called the shooting a hate crime.

St. Paul AME Church in Lexington will be having a prayer vigil for the victims of the Charleston shooting tonight at 7 p.m.

For more information about the history and significance of Chaleston’s Emmanuel AME Church, watch their informational video.