Sanders slammed for holding loud rally near mourning senators: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders was criticized for leading a loud outdoor rally on Capitol Hill while some of his fellow senators were holding an impromptu vigil for the shooting victims just steps away.

Frank Thorp V

@frankthorpNBC

About 30 feet away from a solemn prayer service for victims in Charleston, @SenSanders holds loud pension rally: http://t.co/728G8rw3Z8

Jun. 18, 2015

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Later though, Sanders delivered a statement condemning the shootings as an act of terror, and urged his supporters to donate to the church and its victims.

"The church killings are a tragic reminder of the ugly stain of racism that still taints our nation," Sanders said. "This senseless violence fills me with outrage, disgust and a deep, deep sadness. The hateful killing of nine people praying inside a church is a horrific reminder that, while we have made significant progress in advancing civil rights in this country, we are far from eradicating racism. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and their congregation.”

The Democratic hopeful postponed a campaign trip to Charleston that had been planned for Sunday.

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