UPDATE: Police have now apprehended suspected gunman Dylann Roof.
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Nine people were shot and killed Wednesday in Charleston, South Carolina, during a Bible study at one of the nation's oldest African-American churches.
Per NBC News, authorities said it was a white man aged 21 to 25 who opened fire inside Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
"I do believe this was a hate crime," said Charleston Police Chief Gregory Mullen.
Some initial media reports drew criticism for failing to identify the suspect's race. Rob Lowe was one of many who took to Twitter to express his frustrations.
The media should be ashamed. 3 hours to get on air and then gives detailed suspect description WITHOUT mentioning his race. #Charleston
? Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) June 18, 2015Look, I'd just like a consistent, FULL description (when clearly there is one) when a mass killer is on the loose. White, black or green.
? Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) June 18, 2015Lowe was not the only celebrity to address racism when reacting to this horrific tragedy.
Everyday People are losing their lives w/ the uncertainty of a Russian Roulette game. do any of you care? really care? #BlackLivesMatter
? Questlove Gomez (@questlove) June 18, 2015This is racially motivated domestic TERRORISM. Praying for Charleston w/ tears of disgust in my eyes. I AM DISGUSTED. ???? #CharlestonShooting
? Keri Hilson (@KeriHilson) June 18, 2015Was already weary. Was already heavy hearted. Was already tired.
Where can we be safe? Where can we be free? Where can we be black?
? solange knowles (@solangeknowles) June 18, 2015#Charleston shooter sat in on the bible study #EmanuelAME for 1 HOUR before killing.
Find him NOW.
#hatecrime ???? pic.twitter.com/04ECBiL9ij
? Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) June 18, 2015Many more stars expressed their grief on social media as well, sending thoughts, prayers and well-wishes to those affected.
I'm praying #CharlestonShooting
? chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) June 18, 2015Plane landed, turned on my phone, and my heart dropped to the floor.
Charleston... This is an unbearable loss of lives and innocence.
? Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) June 18, 2015Prayers for #Charleston
? kerry washington (@kerrywashington) June 18, 2015Heartbreaking news from Charleston - my thoughts and prayers are with you all. -H
? Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 18, 2015So so so exhausted by the jarring yet familiar feeling of turning on the news only to see yet another mass shooting. #Charleston #Everytown
? Rachel Dratch (@TheRealDratch) June 18, 2015Sending prayers to all of those touched by the horrific tragedy in Charleston...????
? Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) June 18, 2015Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and families affected by the tragic events in Charleston.
? Jeb Bush (@JebBush) June 18, 2015My heart is so broken by the senselessness of the Charleston shooting. Sending thoughts & prayers. Hatred cannot and will not prevail.
? Darren Criss (@DarrenCriss) June 18, 2015My heart aches ,its so tragic and I don't understand? Shooting people in a church while praying? My prayers are with y'all in #Charleston
? Roma Downey (@RealRomaDowney) June 18, 2015Prayers for the victims' families & entire community of #Charleston. When will anything be done to put an end to this cycle of violence?
? Mandy Moore (@TheMandyMoore) June 18, 2015#Charleston, I love you. You're in my thoughts tonight.
? Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) June 18, 2015Praying for the folks of #Charleston and the friends,family & congregation of #EmanuelAME Church.
? Audra McDonald (@AudraEqualityMc) June 18, 2015#Charleston, I love you. You're in my thoughts tonight.
? Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) June 18, 2015I don't even know what words to use about Charleston. I really don't. Love and thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims
? Kat Dennings (@OfficialKat) June 18, 2015So saddened to hear the news from #SouthCarolina tonight... Sending so much love to #Charleston, and all affected ??
? Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) June 18, 2015Charleston. My heart hurts.
? John Legend (@johnlegend) June 18, 2015"This is a tragedy that no community should have to experience. It is senseless," said Mullen, Charleston's Police Chief. "It is unfathomable that somebody in today's society would walk into a church, when people are having a prayer meeting, and take their lives."
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.
(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
(Originally published June 18, 2015 at 6:53 a.m. PT)