Condolences have been paid to the AME Church in Bermuda after the attack on Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Anglican Bishop of Bermuda Nick Dill described the shooting of people at prayer as cowardly, adding: “As a church, we prayed for the families of the nine victims, including their pastor, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, at a prayer gathering at noon at the Cathedral on Thursday, and commit to do so going forward.

“May those who died rest in peace, and those who live experience the comfort and strength of Christ amid their shock and grief.”

Writing to members of the AME Church, Bishop Dill continued: “When one part of the body suffers, we all suffer.

“We stand alongside you to offer whatever help and support we can, praying that the living hope we share will grant strength and peace in the midst of this nightmarish situation.”

The AME Church in Bermuda has asked the community to pray for the victims and those affected by the shootings, and members of St Paul’s AME Church held a special prayer service last night.

Six women and three men, including the church pastor, were killed in the attack. A hate crimes investigation has been launched and a man arrested.

Premier Michael Dunkley has written to Bishop Gregory GM Ingram, Bishop of the First Episcopal District, to extend his heartfelt condolences, describing the events as “senseless” and stressing that Bermuda was shocked by the killings.

Opposition Leader Marc Bean said: “The Progressive Labour Party would like to express our shock and complete horror at the news of the massacre at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

“This type of hate crime brings back memories of times not too long ago in the American South and is a timely reminder of the challenges we still face in this regard.

“We stand in solidarity with Emanuel AME and our prayers go out to our AME families both in Bermuda and abroad.

“We hope that the perpetrator will be brought to swift justice.”