Biden visits grieving church

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Vice President Joe Biden worshipped and spoke at the Sunday service of a historic black church just hours before a funeral was held for one of the nine people gunned down during Bible study there earlier this month.

The vice president’s surprise appearance came on the second Sunday the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church held regular services following the June 17 shooting. Police contend the attack was racially motived and have charged Dylann Roof, a 21-year-old white man.

Biden said he’d visited Emanuel before and knew the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the pastor of the church who was among those killed.

“We came back because my family and I wanted to show solidarity with the families and with the church,” Biden said.

Biden spoke about the feeling of loss within his own life.

The vice president’s son, Beau, died of brain cancer late last month.

“The reason I came was to draw strength from all of you,” Biden said.

“I wish I could say something that would ease the pain.”

Biden received a standing ovation during the 21⁄ 2- hour service after reading a selection of scripture. He later joined the congregation in holding hands and singing, “We Shall Overcome.”

The Sunday morning service came hours before the church held a funeral for shooting victim DePayne Middleton-Doctor, a 49-year-old pastor and mother of four.