CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Family members spoke about one of the victim's lost in Charleston's shooting. Former State Senator Malcolm Graham confirmed his sister, Cynthia Hurd, was one of the victims in the deadly shooting inside a historic church in downtown Charleston Wednesday night.
Graham was remarkably composed Thursday morning but spoke about how his family would lean on their faith to get through this tragedy. He said his sister was fun loving and devoted member of the church. She worked in the Charleston library system for more than 30 years. Graham said after not being able to reach his sister after multiple attempts last night, he knew something was wrong.
"You're trying to find some understanding where there is none, and you talk to your family member less than 48 hours ago, and all the sudden she's not here anymore," Malcolm Graham said.
He also released this statement:
My sister, Ms. Cynthia Marie Graham-Hurd, was a victim of the senseless hate crime at Emanuel AME Church. It is unimaginable that she would walk into church and not return. But that's who she was – a woman of faith. This is a very difficult time for our family, and Cynthia will be sorely missed. Our family is close-knit, and our faith will see us through. I also extend condolences to the other families of Emanuel AME Church and the city of Charleston who have been affected by this inconceivable tragedy.
My family and I appreciate the thoughts and prayers from people across North Carolina and South Carolina.
Wednesday night, nine people were gunned down inside Mothers Emanuel AME Church during a bible study meeting. Charleston Police say 21-year-old Dylann Storm Roof sat with the bible group for an hour before pulling out a semi-automatic handgun that he reportedly got for his 21st birthday, firing, reloading, and firing again.
Fourteen hours later, the accused gunman was arrested about 250 miles northwest in Shelby, North Carolina, after a concerned citizen reported a suspicious vehicle to local law enforcement.
Graham, a former Charlotte City Councilman, State Senator who represented District 40 in Mecklenburg County and Johnson C. Smith University alum, said he hopes this will be more than a two-day news cycle. He hopes this tragedy will spark change nationally.
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
