Charleston Church Killings Celebrity Twitter Reactions

Photo: Everett Collection/REX USA.

On June 17, a white man named Dylann Roof killed nine people at a historically black church in Charleston, SC, in what has been declared a racially motivated hate crime. Roof was arrested and taken into custody earlier today. The unfathomable massacre sparked outrage and deep sadness throghout the country. Following on the heels of the deaths of Freddie Gray and Kalief Browder, Wednesday's events make it extremely difficult to identify progress or remain hopeful about the state of race relations in the U.S. As many attempt to wrap their heads around the tragic events, celebrities add their voice to the conversation. From Solange Knowles to the ever-eloquent Jesse Williams, actors, musicians and activists alike are sharing their thoughts on social media.
Solange Knowles

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Was already weary. Was already heavy hearted. Was already tired. Where can we be safe? Where can we be free? Where can we be black?
— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) June 18, 2015

My heart is truly with you to the folks who lost loved ones Charleston. My heart is truly with you, world.
— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) June 18, 2015

Jesse Williams

Several people know this particular terrorist. Generations of Americans know this terrorism. A nation… https://t.co/kuMnRjMEJr
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) June 18, 2015

Is it possible that the system is breaking good people and cultures? Is it reasonable to consider… https://t.co/xEqxG9AbF8
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) June 18, 2015

Kerry Washington

Prayers for #Charleston
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) June 18, 2015

Ava Duvernay

Interesting. The suspect is unknown and at large. But already he being discussed as mentally ill? Oh, okay. #CharlestonShooting
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) June 18, 2015

Emotional. Nine lives violently extinguished. Focusing my highest thoughts and donating directly to the church here: http://t.co/0kyZK8OHCm
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) June 18, 2015

John Legend

Charleston. My heart hurts.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) June 18, 2015

Zendaya

I have no words... all I can say is to all the families and friends who lost someone, Charleston my heart goes out to you...
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) June 18, 2015

Taylor Swift

Plane landed, turned on my phone, and my heart dropped to the floor. Charleston... This is an unbearable loss of lives and innocence.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) June 18, 2015

Rob Lowe

The media should be ashamed. 3 hours to get on air and then gives detailed suspect description WITHOUT mentioning his race. #Charleston
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) June 18, 2015

Chris Pratt

I'm praying #CharlestonShooting
— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) June 18, 2015

NE-YO

#PrayForCharleston ??
— NE-YO!! (@NeYoCompound) June 18, 2015

Bruno Mars

This Charleston shooting is disgusting. Whats going on world? Praying for all the friends and family involved in this awful tragedy.
— Bruno Mars (@BrunoMars) June 18, 2015

Sara Bareilles

Oh no. No no no. Charleston. My heart breaks and I'm praying for this community of souls. I'm so sad. ?
— Sara Bareilles (@SaraBareilles) June 18, 2015

Michelle Williams

Please continue to pray for Charleston. Just because he is captured we still got to think of those affected.
— Michelle Williams (@RealMichelleW) June 18, 2015

Talib Kweli

They say pull your pants up, go to church. These people were at church. It don't get more respectable than that. STILL murdered. Now what?
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) June 18, 2015

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