DYLANN ROOF, THE 21-year-old man suspected of shooting dead nine people at a black church in Charleston this week, was confronted by the victims’ loved ones today.
It proved an extremely moving moment as – one by one – tearful family members stepped forward in court, with Roof listening in from prison by video link, and forgave him.
“I forgive you, my family forgives you,” said Anthony Thompson, whose wife Myra (59) was killed on Wednesday night.
But we would like you to take this opportunity to repent. Repent, confess, give your life to the one who matters most – Christ.Do that and you’ll be better off than you are right now.
Felecia Sanders survived the attack by pretending to be dead, but lost her son Tywanza (26).
She also spoke from the judge’s courtroom, where Roof’s image appeared on a television screen:
We welcomed you Wednesday night in our Bible study with open arms. You have killed some of the most beautifulest people that I know.
Every fiber in my body hurts. And I’ll never be the same. Tywanza Sanders was my son. But Tywanza was my hero.
As we say in Bible Study, we enjoyed you – but may God have mercy on you.
Roof bowed his head slightly as the relatives spoke. From the jail, he could hear the people talking, but couldn’t see them, because the camera shows only the judge.
Watch for yourself:
Contains reporting by the Associated Press.
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