For Immediate Release
Date: June 18, 2015

On behalf of City Council and the residents of Savannah, I send condolences to the victims' families, members of Emanuel AME Church, Mayor Riley, and the great City of Charleston.
Through our long history Savannah and Charleston have enjoyed a special relationship as sister cities. We have learned from each other, rivaled each other, and supported each other during times of triumph and trial. Today, we offer our hearts to Charleston, and ask our residents to pray for our family up the coast.

Hate takes many forms and appears in many places. Last night hate took the form of a young, confused man in a most sacred place in one of America's great cities. While it was Charleston last night, this shooting could have taken place anywhere in America. These tragedies have become all too common in our nation today. There are far too many guns on our streets -- in Charleston, in Savannah, everywhere.

There will be a time to address these important issues, and I stand ready to help. But today we offer our love, prayers and full assistance to Mayor Riley and the people of our beloved sister city.