Charleston massacre: Church re-opens five days after mass shooting

The church which saw eight members of its congregation and pastor gunned down in an alleged hate crime has held its first service since the shooting.

The Emanuel African American Episcopal Church in Charleston was packed full of people as visiting Reverend Norvel Goff told worshippers the ‘devil’ had entered their church during the horrific incident. He said in a passionate speech that accused gunman Dylann Roof had ‘failed miserably’ in his quest to break their faith.


Rev Norvel Goff was asked to hold the service as the congregation’s pastor was among those killed in the attack five days ago.

He said: ‘Thanks be to God, hallelujah, that the devil cannot take control of your people. And the devil cannot take control of your church.’

MORE: Charleston massacre: Dylann Roof admits killing nine, says he wanted 'to start a race war'

Churchgoers embrace while leaving the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church

 

Those who were unable to enter the church held impromptu prayers outside the building, while hundreds laid flowers near the building’s entrance.

Defiance against the attacks didn’t stop at the church doors either.

Following the service an estimated 10,000 people joined hands stretched across the 4km-long Arthur Ravenel Bridge nearby in a show of solidarity.

People raise their hands as a show of unity as thousands of marchers meet in the middle of Charleston’s main bridge

 

People from all races and religions could be seen listening to Black Lives Matter leader Jay Johnson, who told the jubilant crowd: ‘It’s not black lives that matter any more. All lives matter.’

Dylann Roof, 21, who has been charged with nine counts of murder and one fire-arms charge, appeared before a court via video uplink on Friday.

He will remain in custody until his next court appearance in October, followed by another hearing in February 2016.