Fall 2014
Suspect Dylann Roof talks of a possible attack, according to a friend, Dalton Taylor. Taylor told ABC News that Roof had been planning "something" for at least six months. “He said he wanted to start a civil war," Taylor said. "He said he was going to do something like that and then kill himself.”
April 2015
At a gun store in Charleston, South Carolina, Roof reportedly buys the .45-caliber handgun allegedly used in the attack.
Wednesday, June 17, around 8 p.m.*
Roof shows up at a Bible study group at the predominantly black Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.
Wednesday, 9 p.m.
The suspect stands up and begins firing. He kills nine in the room, including Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the church's pastor and a South Carolina State senator.
Thursday, June 18, 6:45 a.m.
Law enforcement officials post images of the suspect and his car taken from surveillance video. He is soon identified as Dylann Roof, 21.
Thursday, 10:30 a.m.
Police in Shelby, North Carolina, learn of a possible sighting of Roof in the town.
Thursday, 10:45 a.m.
Police nab Roof at a traffic stop in Shelby and soon take him into custody.
Thursday, 12:30 p.m.
President Barack Obama takes to the airwaves to express despair and anger over the massacre.
Thursday, 3 p.m.
In addition to Pinckney, other victims are identified: Cynthia Hurd, 54; Tywanza Sanders, 26; Sharonda Singleton; Myra Thompson, 59; Ethel Lance, 70; Susie Jackson, 87; the Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr.; and DePayne Doctor.
Thursday, 3:45 p.m.
Roof is publicly identified as the suspect.
Thursday, 6:20 p.m.
Roof is extradited to Charleston.
Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Roof is booked and his mug shot is released.
Friday, 7:30 a.m.
Reports emerge that Roof confessed to the crime, telling authorities that he wanted to start a race war.
Friday afternoon
Roof makes his first court appearance, via remote camera, hearing the charges against him. They include nine counts of murder. Victims' relatives attend the bond hearing.
*All times are approximate.
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