Charleston: Social Media Reacts to the Charleston Shooting

June 18, 2015 11:00 AM EDT

People took to social media to express sadness and outrage at yet another tragedy that police were investigating as a racially motivated hate crime, after a white gunman killed nine people in a historically black church in South Carolina Wednesday night.

Celebrities spoke out:

I'm praying #CharlestonShooting
— Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt) June 18, 2015

This is racially motivated domestic TERRORISM. Praying for Charleston w/ tears of disgust in my eyes. I AM DISGUSTED. 🙏🏽 #CharlestonShooting
— Keri Hilson (@KeriHilson) June 18, 2015

Oh no. No no no. Charleston. My heart breaks and I'm praying for this community of souls. I'm so sad. 💔
— Sara Bareilles (@SaraBareilles) June 18, 2015

Everyday People are losing their lives w/ the uncertainty of a Russian Roulette game. do any of you care? really care? #BlackLivesMatter
— ?st (@questlove) June 18, 2015

Charleston. My heart hurts.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) June 18, 2015

As did politicians:

Heartbreaking news from Charleston - my thoughts and prayers are with you all. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 18, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and families affected by the tragic events in Charleston.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) June 18, 2015

This senseless tragedy at a place of worship-where we come together to laugh,love&rejoice in God's name-is despicable&can't be understood
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) June 18, 2015

The Charleston church killings are a tragic reminder of the ugly stain of racism that still taints our nation. http://t.co/31Gy6sgIGK
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) June 18, 2015

My heart aches for the families of the #Charleston victims. I also pray you and I can conquer hatred. #heal https://t.co/2LXqYugPAn
— Ben & Candy Carson (@RealBenCarson) June 18, 2015

Saddened by the news from Charleston. The victims and their families are in my prayers today.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 18, 2015

My thoughts & prayers are with the victims & families in #Charleston, SC - a terrible tragedy
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) June 18, 2015

Shocked & heartbroken by the murder of innocent people in #Charleston church. Praying for the victims & their families. #CharlestonShooting
— John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) June 18, 2015

Social Media Reacts to the Charleston Shooting, Asking ‘Where Can We Be Black?

More Must-Reads from TIME