The teenage children of Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45, one of the victims of the Charleston church shooting, have come out to say that they forgive the man who killed their mother.
Chris Singleton told the BBC’s Rajini Vaidyanathan, “We already forgive him for what he’s done and there’s nothing but love from our side of the family.”
His sister, Camryn, also said, “I just feel a lot of love — a little bitter but I’m overwhelmed with love.”
Their mother was one of nine people shot and killed at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston Wednesday night. The historic black church was hosting a bible study at the time of the attack.
Watch Chris Singleton address his mother’s death below:
[youtubevid video=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Y0boucKt9-o” id=”Y0boucKt9-o” w=”640″ h=”360″]
Main suspect 21-year-old Dylann Roof, was arrested by authorities Thursday in North Carolina.
Yesterday, Chris also spoke at an event in which he talked about what his family was going through.
“We are mourning right now, but I know we’ll get through it,” he said. “My mom was a God-fearing woman. She loved everybody with all her heart.”
He then went on to speak about how his faith had seen him through the crisis thus far.
“Love is always stronger than hate,” he said. “So if we just love the way my mom would, then the hate won’t be anywhere close to what love is.”
“We’ve come together as a community, tried to get past these things. You know, a tragedy has happened, but life’s going to go on, and things will get better,” he continued.
Some who were in attendance during Chris’ speech shared their thoughts on social media:
Blown away by what Chris Singleton just did. Zero malice, no anger. Just love and peace. Somehow. #CharlestonShooting pic.twitter.com/b2H31dyI5N
— Daren Stoltzfus WESH (@DarenStoltzfus) June 19, 2015
This man lost his mother last night in #CharlestonShooting. Unbelievable poise and strength shown by Chris Singleton. pic.twitter.com/9m9Bv5Sm9o
— Daren Stoltzfus WESH (@DarenStoltzfus) June 19, 2015
Holy Smokes, the maturity that Chris Singleton is showing in this interview at Charleston Southern right now is absolutely incredible.
— Scott Eisberg (@SEisbergWCIV) June 19, 2015
The world needs more people like Chris and Camryn singleton #loveisstrongerthanhate
— Ben Rosher (@BenRosher) June 19, 2015