The American Humanist Association is saddened by yesterday’s tragic shooting of nine people at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, by an individual who, according to the most recent reports, was motivated by hate and racism.

In its focus on our shared humanity and respect for human dignity, humanism condemns such acts of brutal violence. Humanists stand in solidarity with religious and non-religious communities to condemn hate in all forms, and we hope that this tragedy will result in immediate action by local and national governments to end gun violence and hate crimes in this country.