CHARLESTON, S.C. — Hearts are heavy in Charleston this week as people remember last year’s church shooting.
Friday marks the one-year anniversary of the attack at Emanuel A.M.E Church in downtown Charleston that left nine dead.
On Wednesday night, members of the church gathered for a Bible study in honor of the victims -- a scene hauntingly similar to the Wednesday night Bible study a year ago where the attack took place.
Rather than feel hatred towards the alleged shooter, Dylan Roof, Rev. Anthony Thompson said he forgives him and hopes for him to repent and give his life to Christ.
Thompson’s wife, Myra Thompson, was killed in the shooting.
“She wanted to make sure that when she fed the people the Word she’d be doing the right thing, giving them the right Word and they would understand what she’s saying,” Thompson said of his late wife.
The federal trial for Roof is set for November. He also will face the death penalty on state charges in January.
Channel 9 reporter Paul Boyd will be in Charleston to bring you live coverage on Eyewitness News at 5 p.m.