CHARLESTON SHOOTING

China is the world's largest manufacturer of Confederate flags — but not everyone in the country has heard about the U.S. debate.

A poll found that most lawmakers in the state were silent on the issue of the flag's removal from the Capitol grounds, but those who spoke out largely favored the move.

This represents a reversal by Republican presidential contender Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has said the flag is "part of who we are."

"As tragic as this is, hopefully their lives weren't taken in vain," said one man honoring the victims of Wednesday's attack.

The pastor of an African Methodist Episcopal Church in New York's Harlem told congregants the church was born out of the black community's need for justice in a racist society.

“He pointed the gun at his head and pulled the trigger, but it went ‘click.' "

Charleston's historic Mother Emanuel church, the scene of a mass shooting leading to nine deaths this week, will reopen for services Sunday.

Dylann Roof, the alleged mass murderer who killed nine in Charleston, South Carolina, was inspired by a variety of widespread racist fictions.

In rural South Carolina, locals who raise the Confederate flag deny the ugly side of Southern heritage and history.

"They think we're all like that young man, waving the Confederate flag with hate and racism."

Experts say the manifesto purportedly created by accused Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof points to a lone wolf mentality, uncommon but terribly deadly.

Many Americans are calling for the removal of the Confederate flag from South Carolina State House grounds, while a Dixie flag symbolic burial is set for July Fourth.

Judge James Gosnell Jr. requested that the community support not only the shooting victims but also the family of suspect Dylann Storm Roof -- and that didn't sit well with some listeners.

President Obama spoke about shaping public opinion about gun violence on Friday in San Francisco.

The mayor of South Carolina's capital city wants the divisive symbol removed from state house grounds altogether.

"If we look at mass shootings that occur, most happen in gun-free zones," National Rifle Association board member Charles Cotton said in an explanation of his comments.

In South Carolina, the percentage of hate crimes that were racially motivated was higher than the national average three of the last four years.

“I will never talk to her ever again, I will never be able to hold her again, but I forgive you,” the daughter of one victim said.

With every flag at the South Carolina State House at half-staff except the one representing the Confederacy, calls have spread anew to take it down for good.

Roof, 21, purportedly confessed to killing nine people at Charleston's Emanuel AME Church on Wednesday night.

"I am not the man responsible for the shooting. Me and that man share a name, and nothing else," Dylan Roof posted to Facebook.