Family of suspect Dylann Roof makes first statement on Charleston church slayings

The Roof family released their first public statement Friday about Wednesday night’s killings at Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston. Dylann Storm Roof, 21, has been charged.

“The Roof Family would like to extend their deepest sympathies and condolences to families of the victims in Wednesday night’s shooting at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. Words cannot express our shock, grief, and disbelief as to what happened that night. We are devastated and saddened by what occurred. We offer our prayers, sympathy for all of those impacted by these events.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those killed this week. We have all been touched by the moving words from the victims’ families offering God’s forgiveness and love in the face of such horrible suffering.”

“Our hope and prayer is for peace and healing for the families of the victims, the Charleston community, and those touched by these events throughout the state of South Carolina and our nation.”

This story was originally published June 19, 2015 at 6:59 PM with the headline "Family of suspect Dylann Roof makes first statement on Charleston church slayings."