Nine Dead in Charleston Church Shooting

Nine people were shot to death by a white man at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina, on Wednesday night, the Charleston Police Department confirmed at a news conference early Thursday.

According to the  Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen, "this is the worst night of my career," said the gunman entered the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church during a prayer meeting and opened fire. Eight people were found dead at the scene. Two others were transported to a hospital, where one later died.

None of the victims has been named by police. However, State House Minority leader Todd Rutherford said the church's pastor, state Sen. Clementa Pinckney, was among those killed, according to the Associated Press.

The suspect is still at large. Police described the gunman as a white male, 21 to 25 years old, 5 foot 9 inches tall and a slender build. He's clean shaven with sandy blond hair that is shaped in a bowl cut, and was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans and Timberland boots.

Early Thursday, police released this image of the suspect, and said that they believe he is still in the area:

Mullen said the gunman was spotted in a black sedan with a unique license plate, but did not release a make or model of the vehicle. He urged the public and media to remain vigilant, aware of their surroundings and to contact law enforcement if they see anything suspicious. A reward will be offered, with the amount to be announced later Thursday. "I do believe this is a hate crime," Mullen said. "It will be investigated as a hate crime."

“The only reason someone could walk into a church and shoot people praying is out of hate,” said Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, speaking at the same news conference. “It is the most dastardly act that one could possibly imagine.”

The shootings took place around 9 p.m., and prompted a large police response. At least six ambulances reported to the scene.

As police searched for the shooter, worshippers and other members of the community gathered to mourn and pray.