By Catherine E. Shoichet, Ashley Fantz and Holly Yan, CNN
Charleston, South Carolina (CNN) A day after thousands mourned the slayings of nine black worshippers at Charleston’s Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, leaders of diverse ages, races and backgrounds came together to say a symbol of segregation has no place at the state Capitol.
Remove the Confederate flag that has flown at the state Capitol complex, they demanded. Put the relic of history where it belongs, in a museum.
On Monday, three of the state’s most prominent politicians — Gov. Nikki Haley and Sens. Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham — said they agreed.
“Today we are here in a moment of unity in our state without ill will to say it is time to remove the flag from our Capitol grounds,” Haley said.
Earlier in the day, local leaders announced they would hold a rally at 11 a.m. Tuesday in front of the State House, just before the General Assembly goes into session, asking lawmakers to remove the controversial flag from the Capitol grounds.
“The time has come for the General Assembly to do what it ought to have done a long time ago, which is to remove this symbol of division and even of terrorism to some,” the Rev. Nelson B. Rivers said at a news conference. He said the flag symbolizes the worst of South Carolina’s history and belongs in a place where it can be viewed as history.
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