'Hate won't win': Families of Charleston victims emotionally confront Dylann Roof in court

Just a day after the tragic shooting in a Charleston church that left nine dead, the victims' families confronted suspected shooter Dylann Roof in court. But even with the tragedy still fresh in their minds, the families didn't reciprocate the hateful message spurred by the shootings at the historic African-American church. Through their grief, the families expressed forgiveness of Roof and told him that they were praying for him.

"I forgive," the daughter of victim Ethel Lance, 70, told Roof. "You took something very precious from me and I will never talk to her ever again. I will never be able to hold her again. But I forgive you. And have mercy on your soul."

The mother of one of the victims, Tywanza Sanders, 26, tried to grapple with what Roof had done. "We welcomed you Wednesday night in our bible study with open arms," she said. "Every fiber in my body hurts. And I'll never be the same."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Roof remained expressionless throughout the confrontations. His Friday afternoon appearance in court was his first, following his confession earlier in the day. According to ABC News, he is next scheduled to appear in court on October 23.