CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Latest on observances for the anniversary of the Charleston , South Carolina church shootings in which nine people were shot and killed during a Bible study (all times local):
7:45 a.m.
Security is tight as Charleston, South Carolina, pauses to remember nine people gunned down during a church Bible study a year ago.
Streets are closed Friday around Emanuel AME Church and the College of Charleston's TD arena where a late morning memorial service is planned. Police say the closings were planned earlier but that the shootings in Orlando last weekend show that what police are doing is absolutely needed.
People are already gathering for the 10 a.m. service at the arena where a stage is lined with pictures of the nine Emanuel AME victims. Above each picture are the words "Still Speaking from Eternity."
The arena is the same one where President Barack Obama led the congregation in "Amazing Grace" during a funeral last year for the church pastor killed in the massacre.
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4:00 a.m.
Charleston, South Carolina, is pausing to remember the victims of the Mother Emanuel AME Church shootings on the anniversary of the massacre.
Friday marks one year since nine black people were shot and killed while studying their Bibles in a basement room at the historic church. A white man, Dylann Roof, faces death penalty trials in both state and federal courts.
An ecumenical service honoring the victims is planned Friday at the College of Charleston's TD Arena. It's the same venue where President Barack Obama last year led the congregation in "Amazing Grace" during a funeral for the church's pastor, state Sen. Clementa Pinckney.
Smaller services later Friday at Emanuel AME are among about two dozen events marking the anniversary of the shootings during the coming days.
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