Charleston Shooting News Updates & Dylann Roof Photos: Emanuel AME Church Holds First Service Post-Killings; Residents Gather in Unity

An emotionally charged service was held last Sunday at the historic black church in Charleston as it continues its healing process after a man went on a shooting rampage that left nine of its members dead last June 17.

The church bells tolled at 10 a.m. in the city for the church's first service since the incident, in memory of the victims of a white gunman named Dylann Roof. USA Today reported that the 21-year-old man opened fire at a Bible study group at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, killing nine individuals, including the pastor and state senator, Rev. Clementa Pickney.

Roof fled the premises after he opened fire, but was arrested Thursday and charged with nine counts of murder and one count of criminal possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.

His arrest seemed to be the end of his racist rampage, however, that wasn't the case. The New York Times also reported that a website was discovered Saturday to have showed insight to Roof's thoughts, including how the case of Trayvon Martin triggered his racist rage, with photos and a nearly 2,500-word manifesto posted.

An overwhelming amount of support showed at the mass. Fox News Latino noted that worshipers came in large numbers, exceeding the church's maximum capacity of 1,200. Police presence was also deployed, and security checks were administered. Backpacks were not allowed in the premises, and handbags and fanny packs were searched.

Despite Roof's declaration of a "race war," citizens of Charleston showed their solidarity with the black members of the community. The Wall Street Journal reported that "a rapturous and racially diverse crowd" was singing and shaking their tambourines last Sunday as a sign that the killing did not dampen the faithful's fervor. Congregation members left the church to be greeted by a mostly-white crowd after, while singing to the "Amazing Grace" to show their support for the community and for the families who lost their loved ones in the incident.

Interim pastor Norvel Goff confirmed that funeral services for Rev. Pinckney will be held on Friday, however, he refused to release specific information until details are finalized. The Washington Post noted that the casket will be at the Statehouse for public viewing on Wednesday afternoon, with additional viewings to be held at a Columbia church, as well as at Emanuel AME on Thursday.

Goff also said that members of the community will create a stronger bond, adding that members will "begin to work together to forge a new partnership - not them against us - but we are the children of God who will be marching on to victory."