President Obama delivered the eulogy at the funeral for Reverend Clementa Pinckney — who was one of the nine people killed in Charleston last week — on Friday afternoon.
Obama ended the eulogy by leading the crowd of thousands gathered in TD Arena in a rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
Everyone in the arena stood up, and the organ quickly joined in.
After the song ended, Obama mentioned each of the victims.
Clementa Pinckney has found that grace.
Cynthia Hurd has found that grace.
Susie Jackson has found that grace.
Ethel Lance has found that grace.
DePayne Middleton-Doctor has found that grace.
Tywanza Sanders has found that grace.
Daniel Simmons has found that grace.
Sharonda Singleton has found that grace.
Myra Thompson has found that grace.
When Obama left, a pastor said, “We want to thank the Reverend President.”
Here’s video of the whole speech, which — while mostly focused on grace and the life of Rev. Pinckney and those who died with him — touched on a large number of other issues: the confederate flag, criminal justice, racial discrimination, and gun violence.
The funeral stretched for several hours as many people wanted the chance to rejoice in the life of Reverend Clementa Pinckney. His wife and children were mentioned frequently during the service. Each family member wrote a message for Pinckney for the program.
