Patrick Murphy: Charleston Shooting a 'Vicious Hate Crime'

Currently running for the U.S. Senate, U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla., called the shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina which left nine people dead as a “hate crime” and offered prayers and condolences.

 
“Today, we mourn as a nation for the senseless tragedy in South Carolina that took the lives of nine individuals,” Murphy said on Thursday morning. “My heart breaks for the victims, their families, and everyone in Charleston as they try to make sense of this horrific crime.  It is my strong hope that the suspect is captured and held responsible for what appears to be a vicious hate crime.  I offer my prayers, support, and condolences on behalf of the people of Florida to everyone involved.”