Charleston shooting: Presidential hopefuls respond to the hate crime which killed nine people

Authorities arrested the white gunman identified as Dylann Roof, 21, Thursday morning

(AP Images)

Presidential hopefuls are responding to the mass shooting tragedy that took the lives of nine people in a historically black church.

Authorities arrested the white gunman identified as Dylann Roof, 21, Thursday morning. Here are the comments from the candidates:

Republican Jeb Bush, who cancelled his appearance in Charleston Thursday morning, issued a statement on Twitter.

Democrat Hillary Clinton, the 2016 front-runner, also tweeted her statement.

Former Republican Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee issued a message on Facebook.

"The Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC, became a scene of unspeakable carnage because an evil person violated the sanctuary where earth and heaven meet and turned it into a place where earth and hell meet. No civilized person can react except with revulsion at such a senseless, cowardly, and despicable act ... The prayers that were interrupted by a mass murderer will be continued by a grieving nation."

Republican Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, who is expected to announce his bid in the next month, issued his statement via Twitter.

Republican Senator Rand Paul stated that he and his wife Kelley “are praying for everyone affected by this senseless tragedy in Charleston."

Republican Ohio Governor John Kasich, who is expected to announce his candidacy soon, on Facebook.

Republican Ben Carson, a retired brain surgeon and political newcomer, on Facebook.

Republican Bobby Jindal, Louisiana Governor, also issued a statement condemning the shooting as “pure evil.”

“This morning we are all trying to make sense of this senseless act. This is pure evil. It's infuriating. Mankind's capacity for evil is horrific. I'm enraged by this ungodly act and my heart breaks for these families. I hurt for them. To happen in a place of worship is unconscionable,” he wrote.

“They were opening their hearts to God and lifting their concerns up to Him. Every American needs to take a few minutes today, and in the days to come, to pray for the families of those murdered last night. They all need the comfort and peace only God can provide and we should all pray they will find it.”