Ep 3. Charleston, South Carolina

On episode 3 of Active Shooter: America Under Fire, titled Charleston, South Carolina, we are taken back to June 17th, 2015, where one of the deadliest racially motivated shootings in recent years occurred at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Nine innocent people lost their lives at the hands of a lone gunman, who had a history of racism and white supremacy. The episode delves into the events leading up to the shooting and how it unfolded, along with the aftermath and how the Charleston community came together in solidarity during a time of tragedy.

The episode begins with interviews with witnesses and survivors of the shooting, as they recount their experiences on that fateful day. We hear from Felicia Sanders, who survived the shooting by playing dead, and the mother of one of the victims, Tywanza Sanders, who talks about losing her son in such a horrific and brutal manner. We also hear from Reverend Eric Manning, who was appointed as the new pastor of Emanuel AME Church soon after the shooting, and how he had to navigate the immense grief and trauma of the community, while also seeking justice for those affected.

The episode then takes us back to the beginning of the shooter's life, exploring his upbringing, family history, and how he became radicalized into the white supremacist movement. We hear from experts on the topic of hate crimes and white nationalism, who provide insight into the ideologies that drove the shooter to commit such a heinous act. We are shown how the shooter's hatred and bigotry towards African Americans was allowed to fester and grow, resulting in the tragic events of that night.

The episode then walks through the timeline of the shooting, minute by minute. We learn how the shooter entered the church with a concealed weapon, and how he sat through the Bible study for almost an hour before opening fire. We also hear how one of the victims, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who was also a state senator, tried to reason with the shooter and how he was shot in cold blood.

The aftermath of the shooting is also discussed in detail. We hear about the outpouring of support from across the country for the Charleston community, as well as the reactions of politicians and other public figures. We also learn about the trial of the shooter, which took place two years after the shooting, and how the entire community rallied around the families of the victims during the trial. The episode ends with a message of hope and resilience, showcasing how the Charleston community has come together to heal and move forward in the wake of such a traumatic event.

Overall, Charleston, South Carolina is a powerful and emotional episode that tells the tragic story of the Emanuel AME Church shooting with sensitivity and respect. It provides a detailed and informative exploration of the events leading up to the shooting, as well as the aftermath and the resilience of the Charleston community. It is a must-watch for anyone wanting to understand the impact of hate crimes and mass shootings on communities and the need for unity and solidarity in the face of tragedy.