According to CPD, I-526 eastbound was closed shortly after 10:00 p.m.

One lane of I-526 west was also closed as officers investigated.

CPD did not say when the bridge is expected to reopen.

One fatality was confirmed as of Monday evening. The CPD Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating.

Editor's note: This story is breaking and will be updated.

"Hands to Heritage" features basket weavers from Charleston and Rwanda. The film aims to recognize the weavers for their talents and showcase the reconciliation efforts by the City of Charleston.

The "interwoven history" of the Gullah community and the City of Charleston dates back centuries, when Africans were brought over to the colonies as part of the slave trade.

People from all parts of Africa converged in Charleston, bringing bits and pieces of their cultures with them. The medley of African cultures ultimately influenced a new culture, Gullah Geechie, which lives on in the Lowcountry.

In the documentary, basket weavers from Charleston and Rwanda come together to share stories, techniques, and experiences passed down through generations.

Click here to watch the full documentary.

The main focus at Mosquito Beach is to restore the history, starting with the Pine Tree Hotel which was destroyed by a fire in 2019. Project Manager Kyle Taylor said they're hoping to finish the hotel by September, but they need the community's help to reach their goal.

"We’re on board to complete the building and have the budget for it, however, there is a strong need for funds," said Taylor.

The initial funding for the renovation project came in 2019 from the National Park Service African American Civil Rights Grant Program. Since then, developers have been working to restore the hotel, but the property manager for the Historic Charleston Foundation, Justin Schwebler said they have run into many unforeseen costs.

“Stormwater plans, the fire, a sprinkler system we have to install in the hotel, those were unaccounted-for costs when the grant was originally written,” said Schwebler

The group has started a GoFundMe to help supplement the grant money.

Despite the financial setbacks, Michael Riffert, the owner of Construction Consultants, said progress is being made.

"So to this point, we’ve got plumbing electric heating, and air in, we are waiting on our custom-built wood windows," said Riffert.

The owner of the Pine Tree Hotel, Bill "Cubby" Wilder, said he is confident the project will move forward and this is just the beginning for mosquito beach.

"Now Mosquito Beach is here, and Mosquito Beach is here to stay," said Wilder.

Attorneys for Charleston Advancement Academy High School (CAA) have filed a motion with the South Carolina Administrative Law for a stay of the revocation decision, which is set to go into effect on June 30.

According to the school's website, CAA is "helping young adults overcome real-life challenges to earn their South Carolina state-issued high school diploma."

In a summary of the motion, attorneys claim the decision to revoke CAA's charter "was underpinned and motivated by likey unethical and illegal financial ties between SCPCSD officials and a for-profit, Chicago-based private sector company that provides school management services for a fee, Acceleration Academies (AA)."

AA was brought in as the school's education management organization when the school opened in 2018.

According to the summary of the motion filed by CAA attorneys, "When the CAA board voted to terminate AA in late 2019, that action triggered conspiratorial activities between SCPCSD and AA officials intended to undermine and eventually destroy CAA."

Before the revocation decision was made, CAA requested to transfer oversight from SCPCSD to a different charter school association. That decision was denied by SCPCSD board members, and in a letter to CAA notifying them of that decision, it was also written that the district board voted to provide a notice of revocation.

The letter to the CAA Board Chair explains the grounds for revocation are "CAA committed a material violation of the conditions, standards, performance expectations or procedures provided for in the charter school application or charter school contract; or both." And that "CAA failed to meet the academic performance standards and expectations as defined in the charter school application or charter school contract, or both."

CAA attorneys claim that SCPCSD board member's decision to revoke CAA's charter was "a process that was defective and violated multiple laws."

"There was no recommendation by district staff that it be revoked; there was no remediation that's kind of what is required -- none of that took place," explained Edward Pritchard, an attorney for CAA. "And it's our position that the charter revocation was illegal in that it didn't follow the necessary requirements in the Freedom of Information Act and the Charter Schools Act."

Pritchard said that board members never mentioned the potential for revocation leading up to the decision on January 19, 2023, and that SCPCSD did not evaluate the charter school's performance as required by law.

The motion includes several other claims including that the SCPCSD board "did not include revocation on its meeting agenda" and "did not issue any sanctions against CAA or require corrective action in the SCPCSD Superintendent's most recent annual evaluation of CAA."

Attorneys for CAA and the SCPCSD board are expected to appear for a hearing in South Carolina Administrative Court this week.

SCPCSD officials said they are unable to comment on the matter because the case is currently in litigation. They added that their response would be filed in court this week.

According to Kimmie Stewart Casting, scammers are claiming they work for the company or the show and messaging people who want to be extras. The scammers use email addresses almost identical to the legitimate email address and request money or to meet in person.

Other scam websites copy and paste legitimate casting calls and tell people that they must sign up and pay for access to those sites in order to submit.

The company said that they will never charge for submissions and they will never require subscription to a website.

The only legitimate way to sign up to be an extra is to email stewartcastingbg@gmail.com.

Anyone that comes across a scam is asked to reach out to the company immediately.

Alonza Marable Jr. was found guilty of murder and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature last week following a jury trial.

The charges stem from an April 18, 2020 shooting at the Ferndale Mobile Home Park.

According to the Solicitor's Office, Marable and his then-15-year-old accomplice drove around the park waiting for their victim to return home.

The two shot and killed 16-year-old Lanelle Reed Jr. outside of his home.

The juvenile, armed with a handgun, was likely the one that fired the shot that killed Reed. Marable was armed with a semi-automatic rifle and fired 12 rounds, one of which struck a bystander sleeping in a nearby home.

The bystander survived.

Assistant Solicitor Daniel Cooper, who was on the team that prosecuted the case, said that "Marable was the architect of this entire incident: he drove the car as they stalked and hunted the victim; he provided the weapons and ammunition used in the shooting, and, as he was three years older than his juvenile co-defendant, Marable clearly influenced the younger codefendant."

Marable was sentenced to 30 years in prison, the minimum sentence for murder.

Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, commemorated Juneteenth by blessing a new memorial at St. John Cemetery, the final resting place of at least 1,000 Black Catholics.

"The cemetery fell into disrepair, and for more than 20 years the site was vacant and unmarked," officials with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston said.

Very few grave markers remain.

For decades, the property remained vacant and was often used as a dog park. It wasn't until recently that the area was fenced and recognized as a cemetery.

The Diocese of Charleston removed utility poles from the property in 2022 and prepared it for landscape lighting.

Carolina Catholic Professionals, Dominion Energy, and Southland Landscape Management placed a memorial marker at the cemetery during the ceremony.

The Battery Gadsden Cultural Center will celebrate Carolina Day early on June 24 with a musket salute and remarks from local leaders.

Organizers say eventgoers will have the chance to hear the story of "the most unusual Patriot," Robert Smith, and join in raising the Moultrie Flag over the town.

Members of the Daughter of the American Revolution, the Second South Carolina Regiment, and the town mayor will make an appearance.

The free event is scheduled for Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at the Town Hall Plaza.

According to the American Boating Association, the 4th of July holiday weekend is the busiest and often deadliest time of boating season.

SCDNR is working to improve boating safety with inspections for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations.

Boaters who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections.

Boating inspections will be conducted in the following Lowcountry counties:

Saturday, July 1:

• Beaufort County: Lemon Island Landing, Chechessee River, 10 a.m. to Noon
• Charleston County: Wappoo Cut Landing, Intracoastal Waterway, 10 a.m. to Noon

Sunday, July 2:

• Charleston County: Buck Hall Landing, Intracoastal Waterway, McClellanville, 10 a.m. to Noon
• Charleston County: John P. Limehouse Landing, Intracoastal Waterway/Stono River, Johns Island, 10 a.m. to Noon
• Georgetown County: Carroll A. Campbell Landing, Sampit River, Georgetown, 10 a.m. to Noon

Tuesday, July 4:

• Berkeley County: William H. Dennis Landing, Tail Race Canal, Moncks Corner, 10 a.m. to Noon
• Charleston: Remleys Point Boat Ramp, Charleston Harbor, Mt. Pleasant, 10 a.m. to Noon

Saturday, July 15

• Beaufort County: Battery Creek Boat Landing, Beaufort Water Festival, Port Royal, 10 a.m. to Noon

According to Awendaw-McClellanville Fire District, crews responded to a vehicle fire in the 8550 block of Old Georgetown Road near Bash Road in McClellanville Sunday.

Upon arrival, AMFD found the vehicle fully involved in flames.

The fire was extinguished by 7:10 p.m.

Charleston Fire Department was dispatched to a fire on Fishburne Street around 6:00 p.m.

News 2 has reached out to CFD to learn more about to cause of this fire. Count on 2 for updates.

The Charleston Fire Department held a memorial ceremony Sunday evening to honor the nine firefighters for the bravery and sacrifice they displayed 16 years ago.

"I appreciate the opportunity to say a few words tonight on this sixteenth remembrance of our fallen firefighters," Charleston Fire Chief Dan Curia said. "I know that the pain doesn’t go away, but it’s my hope that for the families of our nine firefighters, but also, for everyone affected by this tragedy that that perspective does shift to something happy, something pleasant, more often than when you go to the pain.”

Sunday's ceremony was held on the grounds of the Charleston 9 Memorial, which is also the site where the Sofa Super Store once stood.

Fire officials and city leaders say while this tragedy was a great lost for the community, it also served as the inspiration behind many improvements to firefighter safety procedures that have been implemented in the last 16 years.

"We've invested in state-of-the-art equipment," Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said. "Improved training protocols and programs and strengthened coordination between our fire department and other emergency response agencies."

With Sunday's day of remembrance falling on Father's Day, fire officials wanted to acknowledge that many of the brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice 16 years ago were fathers who were loved by many.

The Charleston Fire Department expects the Charleston 9 Memorial to be completed in the near future, and the department will welcome 42 new recruits starting next month.

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month. 

Charleston Carifest will hold its 2023 festival June 29 through July 1 in Charleston.

“This year, we are especially excited to recognize The Bahamas as the nation commemorates 50 years of Independence. We will have a variety of events and activities that will showcase the beauty and diversity of The Bahamas which has quite a few connections to Charleston dating back a few hundred years," said Shelton Beck.

Beck is a Jamaican man who has lived in Charleston since 1985. He has ben involved with Charleston Carifest since 2006.

The festivities will start June 29 with a symposium at the College of Charleston. Hon Wendall Jones, Bahamas Ambassador to the USA, Dr. Christopher Curry, Ph.D. with the University of The Bahamas, and Hon Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will speak at the event.

“We are delighted to have Bahamas Ambassador to the United States Wendall Jones and others joining us for 2023, and we are most grateful for the Bahamians who have come over the years to take part in Charleston Carifest," Beck said.

On June 30, All White Fete, Fete en Blanc is scheduled at Founders Hall at Charles Towne Landing. This is a ticketed event. 

The Charleston Carifest Carnival will celebrate Caribbean American Heritage on July 1 at Brittlebank Park. The parade will start from John Street at 4:00 p.m. and travel on King Street, Congress Street, Hagood Street, and Lockwood to end at Brittlebank Park. Buy tickets for the Carnival online.

The Susie Jackson Freedom Memorial Garden is named after the oldest victim. Susie Jackson was 87 when she and eight other church congregants were shot and killed during a bible study on June 17, 2015.

On Saturday, exactly eight years later, the garden was dedicated to Jackson during a ceremony.

“It’s an amazing thing to have a park named after your mother. It’s something you know will always be here. Something I’m proud of and everything,” said Walter Bernard Jackson, the son of Susie Jackson.

The memorial garden is located nearby Jackson’s home of more than 50 years on Alexander Street. It’s the same spot she used as a short cut to get to church.

Nine Japanese blueberry trees stand tall in the garden, symbolizing the victims. Five noisette roses were planted in honor of the survivors and four olive trees represent the four anchors of peace: freedom, forgiveness, faith, and family.

“It’s reassuring knowing that we’ll always have a place here in Charleston, and I think just coming back and just knowing all of the love and support that we feel,” said Tiana Jackson, one of Jackson’s nine great-grandchildren.

Jackson’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren came back to Charleston this weekend to honor their family’s matriarch.

“Losing her was definitely very hard, but seeing her life and legacy live on really means a lot to all of us,“ Ina Jackson McBean said of her grandmother.

The corner of Chapel and Alexander Streets became known as “Susie Jackson Way” in 2019.

The Emanuel 9 commemorative events began Wednesday evening with a special bible study.

Thursday, the Susie Jackson and Ethel Lance Senior Citizens’ Virtual Luncheon was held. Jackson and Lance were both integral parts of Mother Emanuel’s Senior Ministry.

The church encouraged everyone to perform a kind act as part of Friday’s Random Acts of Kindness Day, then use #E9LOVE to show off their act of kindness via social media.

Church leaders say sharing love and kindness embodies the spirit of each of the nine members they lost 8 years ago.

Emanuel AME’s Senior Pastor Eric Manning provided details about several commemorative events happening this Saturday and Sunday.

“The Cynthia Hurd Foundation will be doing an activity on June 17^th,” Manning said, “as well as the dedication for the Susie Jackson Memorial Garden. Then, of course, Sunday which is Father’s Day, we have the service of commemoration, but it’s also Father’s Day, so we have a guest preacher who will be coming in.”

Mother Emanuel will have a youth commemorative activity next Tuesday before hosting the Emanuel 9 Humanitarian Awards next Friday.

Manning says each of these events are important as their congregation continues the healing process.

“Regardless of how dark the night is,” he said, “regardless of how long the storm is, regardless of how deep the valley is, regardless of how long the wilderness seems to be, you must always have a hope that says, ‘We will continue to fight the good fight.’”

News 2 will have coverage of this weekend’s commemorative events.

On Sunday, community members and fellow firefighters are invited to attend a memorial at the park to honor the 9 lives lost.

The Charleston Fire Department's current Deputy Chief of Operations, Forrest Cockroft, said that night changed everything.

“That night as many will tell you was probably one of the worst nights of their careers… but out of it has been born such a lot of great things," said Cockroft.

Today, the community is still mourning the lives of the fathers, sons, brothers, and friends that were lost in that fire. This year's anniversary holds a special significance, as it falls on Father's Day. Assistant Chief of Administration David Griffin said that brings new battles.

“We have one of our firefighters, Hunter Benke, who's on the job here, and it's Father's Day, and his dad lost his life on June 18th, 2007. For me to watch that young man be in our department and work so hard and strive to be such a good firefighter that’s an honor for me.”

Sunday's ceremony will be held at the memorial park, built where the Sofa Superstore once stood.

Improvements to the park are being made not only to honor the 9 firefighters, but to inform the public about what happened roughly 16 years ago.

For example, brick pillars are placed around the park to outline the layout of the store. Cockroft said they want to take their time creating the park and make sure they get it right.

“We’re hopeful of getting it done soon, but more importantly we’re focused on getting it done right because they deserve that. However long it takes we will continue to work through and make sure that it gets done the way it needs to get done,” he said.

Firefighters like Griffin and Cockroft say they hope the space will continue to be a place for the public to remember the nine brave firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty

The memorial is set to begin at 7:00 PM.

According to Charleston Police, Lucius Gibbs was last seen in Charleston on June 6. His family reported him missing one day later. CPD said that he was driving a white Ford F-150.

On June 9, the sheriff's office in Lee County, Alabama responded to reports of a drunk driver on Highway 280. A witness said someone in a white Ford F-150 "was swerving across lanes and had run off the road into a ditch."

Responding deputies approached the truck and found Gibbs asleep at the wheel. They also saw a rifle in the passenger's seat.

The deputies called for backup and a few minutes later, saw the truck backing out of the ditch. The Lee County Sheriff's Office said that while backing out, Gibbs fired a shot at the deputies.

The deputies returned fire and approached the truck.

When deputies found Gibbs, they said he had a handgun in one hand and a semi-automatic shotgun with an extended magazine in the seat beside him.

Gibbs appeared to be hit, so EMS was requested. EMS confirmed that Gibbs died on scene.

The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation is investigating, per protocol.

According to the report, the victim parked her car outside the ER and left her son in the car as she took someone inside.

When she walked out, told police she saw a man removing her son from the back seat and a woman sitting in the driver's seat. The woman then sped away in the car.

The suspects were identified as Tanner Chechelashvili (35) and Travis Gillespie (40). Both were charged with kidnapping, assault and battery first degree, and carjacking.

Both are being held in the Al Cannon Detention Center. Bond has not been set.

The Charleston Symphony will perform "a blend of patriotic melodies and classical favorites," including "a salute to the armed forces and [popular] favorites by renowned composers such as Tchaikovsky."

Guest musician Javetta Campbell will join the concert, performing popular songs and Broadway showtunes.

Mayor John Tecklenburg will also narrate "Lincoln Portrait" by Aaron Copland.

A fireworks show will take place after the concert.

Concessions will be available.

Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. and the family-friendly event begins at 8:00 p.m.

A limited number of tickets are available and must be reserved in advance.

The South Carolina Ports Authority announced Friday the City of Charleston will take the lead on the project and come up with a new plan over the next year.

South Carolina Ports Authority CEO Barbara Melvin said during a press conference they will defer recommendations to the city’s Planning Commission to allow more time and community input on the project.

“People shared with us what they wanted to see at Union Pier, and more importantly, what they did not want to see at Union Pier,” Melvin said.

City officials will be joined by third party consultants, advocacy groups, the College of Charleston’s Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the effort.

“Today is, in a way, a day of celebration because we kind of breath a little sigh of relief that we are going to have a pause, a reset, so we can get this right,” said Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg.

SC Ports owns the 70-acre site and planned to redevelop it into a mixed-use neighborhood with housing, retail, hotels, and green space.

The Ports Authority presented their proposal earlier this year, and held numerous public meetings. The community expressed concern about the height and density of the project, the environmental impact, and how quickly it was unfolding.

Melvin said neighbors also made it clear they want to see the project address resiliency, traffic, and affordable housing needs. There was also a call for more green space.

“We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and do what we have been asking for, for a while, which is to have a city-led and community-engaged planning process for this really important piece of our city,” Cashion Drolet said. She serves as the Chief Advocacy Officer for the Historic Charleston Foundation.

Melvin said the core components of the project will remain the same – including creating a mixed-use neighborhood and expanding waterfront access.

“This is really a major step forward, not only in sending a message to the community that we can be effective in our advocacy, but it’s a note to all the other real estate developers that want to capitalize on what we built in this city. It’s beautiful,” said the Preservation Society of Charleston’s President & CEO, Brian Turner.

The mayor and advocacy groups planned to meet after the press conference to discuss the timeline moving forward.

The explosion claimed the lives of nine people and injured dozens of workers. Three firefighters were also injured in the aftermath.

Witnesses on June 17th, 1991 said the blast could be heard for miles.

The explosion was believed to have been caused by an unexpected chemical reaction. State representative Wendell Gilliard revisited the location of the blast and recalled what happened when he heard the news.

“When I heard about the explosion the first thing that came to my mind was that all my friends were out there, and I was real concerned like many others during that period. I’d lost my best friend, one of my best friends, in the explosion," said Gilliard.

The site manager at the time said most of the people who died in the explosion were not employees of the plant, but were subcontractors installing insulation around pipes.

Today, those who were killed are still being honored and remembered more than three decades later.

Below is a list of those who died in the explosion:

Gregory A. Pye, 29, of Bonneau
Steven M. Evans, 35, of North Charleston
Timothy J. Chubb, 22, of North Charleston
Brian S. Kenny, 27, of Hanahan
Francis Smalls, 34, of Charleston
Richard Carl Westbury, 28, of Hanahan
Harold Gates, 38, of Summerville
Mark Anthony Hughes, 37, of Goose Creek
Dennis Douglas, 45, of Moncks Corner

Mother Emanuel’s Senior Pastor Eric Manning says June 17, 2015 is a day that changed the Charleston community forever, and eight years later, the pain from that tragedy is still palpable.

Manning says June 17, 2015, started like any other day.

“It started of course, peacefully. It started with jubilancy. It started with people being able to embrace their loved ones and sharing intimate thoughts and details with them,” he said.

But he says the end of June 17, 2015, changed Charleston, and the world, forever.

Mother Emanuel’s senior pastor in 2015, South Carolina Senator Rev. Clementa Pinckney, and eight members of this congregation were shot and killed by a white supremacist during bible study.

“This community was turned upside down,” Manning said. “The AME Church was turned upside down, and June 17^th will now be remembered as a day when a traumatic, tragic, hateful act took place here at Mother Emanuel.”

Manning, who was serving as the senior pastor at Bethel AME in Georgetown, remembers the moment his daughter came into this bedroom and told him what happened.

“I said, ‘No, I would’ve gotten a call by now,’” he said. “Just as soon as she walked out of the room, my phone rang, and it was a colleague saying, ‘We think Reverend Pinckney was murdered.’ And I said, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’”

Manning was officially appointed senior pastor of Mother Emanuel one year after the shooting.

In the seven years since, he says he often notices a shift in emotions around the time of this tragic anniversary, which is why he says he’s very careful in his approach when leading his congregation.

“When I came to serve Mother Emanuel in 2016,” Manning said, “I had to learn how to be trauma-informed. And the worst thing that I could ever say to anyone is, ‘I understand your pain.’ I don’t understand it. Like I said, for me, June 17, 2015, started differently.”

Although eight years have passed, Manning says it doesn’t make the unfathomable loss Mother Emanuel’s membership suffered any easier.

“They always say that time has a way of healing all wounds,” he said. “And time does give an aid, but at the same time, it may cause you to feel even more of a void because your loved one was taken abruptly away from you.”

He says his congregation continues to carry the legacy of those nine members who lost their lives eight years ago in their hearts.

“Our duty is to make sure that everyone remembers,” Manning said, “and that we honor their legacies as best as we possibly can.”

Mother Emanuel has a number of events to commemorate the Mother Emanuel 9, and you can count on News 2 for coverage of several of those events throughout the weekend.

According to the report, the incident happened sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

The report states that the suspect(s) "drove an unknown vehicle onto the golf course," near the 14th hole, "where it was plainly visible that a vehicle had done donuts in the grass."

The vehicle appeared to have off-road tires with a "knobby tread pattern," according to MPPD.

At some point, officers believe the vehicle got stuck trying to exit the sand bunker, as "large divots consistent with a vehicle spinning its wheels at a high rate of speed" were visible. There were multiple divots ranging from around six to 18-inches deep.

A cart path sign was also knocked off its post.

The course is closed for unrelated maintenance this week, and staff have already begun repairs. Some repairs could take as long as four weeks.

There are no surveillance cameras on the course.

According to the solicitor's office, Algernard Young was found guilty of following his ex-wife to her home in 2019 then shooting her new boyfriend five times the next day.

Young's ex told prosecutors that she heard Young yelling outside her apartment when the shooting took place.

Gunshot residue and phone records also helped identify Young as the suspect.

Young was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

The crash happened around 11:00 a.m.

Officials with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office said Highway 78 near Von Ohsen Road is closed to traffic while crews respond to the collision.

Deputies say motorists should expect delays.

The Bible study was the first in a series of commemorative events that will be held over the next nine days.

“On behalf of our pastor, Reverend Eric S.C. Manning, and members of Mother Emanuel, I welcome you here with us," one Mother Emanuel member said when beginning Wednesday’s Emanuel Nine Commemorative Bible Study.

Bible study was led by guest pastors Jarett Washington and Nelson B. Rivers III, who covered “The Parable of the Sower.”

“The Bible says that Jesus begins in this text of Mark 4 to begin to teach in parables,” Washington said.

This is the same text that was being covered during bible study on June 17, 2015, when the church’s nine members were killed by a white supremacist.

“A farmer casting seed on the ground,” Washington said, “and the seed was then falling on what the Bible says is different kinds of soil.”

The pastors wanted worshippers to take away three key lessons from Wednesday’s session.

“There are three things required of us as professed believers or on the road to becoming a believer," Nelson III said. "You have to hear the word, receive the word, and act on the word. Jesus is telling us, ‘Hearing is not enough, but you can’t receive it if you never hear it; and when you receive it, if you don’t understand it, you’ll never act on it.”

The pastors who led the bible study say it’s still difficult to talk about the events that transpired at Mother Emanuel eight years ago.

One pastor says he was with one of the victims, South Carolina Senator Reverend Clementa Pinckney, just days before the shooting occurred.

According to CCSO, deputies attempted to stop a car in West Ashley shortly after 8:30 p.m.

The suspect fled, leading deputies on a pursuit nearly to Downtown Charleston.

The suspect crashed into a guardrail on I-26 near the Hagood Street overpass.

The driver then fled on foot.

Deputies remained in the area searching for the man as of 10:00 p.m.

Editor's note: This story is breaking and will be updated.

Patrick Michaels was found guilty of kidnapping, burglary, and sexual assault with the intent to commit a sexual act in connection to the 2019 incident.

Michaels, of Greenville, allegedly locked the victim in a room and attacked her.

She was able to fight Michaels off and call 911. He was still in the home when police arrived.

Officials said that Michaels suffers from mental illness.

The new equipment will expedite testing, allowing officials to stop the spread at an earlier stage.

Charleston County Mosquito Control Division Taxonomist Ed Harne said faster results will mean faster action.

“If we find a disease in one of the mosquitoes that we test, we can immediately, go out to the public, go to the place that it was found, and begin to do mosquito control to prevent any further transmission," said Harne.

The bread and butter of the operation is a little red box smaller than a box of tissues, but with a hefty price tag.

“The whole program was a $30,000 investment, $25,000 of that was [the box],” said Charleston County Mosquito Control Division Entomologist Andrew Pierson.

Pierson said the alternative method of getting results is not nearly as quick.

“When I do it, it’s 3 hours. When we send them out... we get a report maybe once a month,” said Pierson.

While work in the lab is important, Harne said preventing the spread of diseases starts at home.

“Anything that can hold water can breed loads of mosquitoes, and I'm talking about something as small as a child’s toy bucket," said Harne.

Harne also recommends visiting the county website for more information on ways to prevent mosquitos from spreading as well as daily updates on where mosquitoes are being sprayed for.

Quest's goal is to improve the mental health of others by connecting young adults with mentors to help strengthen their mental well-being. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, over 82 million people in the United States live with a clinically diagnosed mental health disorder or substance use disorder.  

Patrick Harmon, a Certified Peer Support Specialist at the Medical University of South Carolina, will be sharing his story of recovery at the event. 

“I had been through nearly every challenge that you can think of, whether it is stereotypical or not, of the challenges that people who are in active addiction face,” said Harmon who hopes his story will break down barriers of some who have been suffering in silence.  

“It's important that I also say that I didn't stop and stay stopped the very first time and it took multiple attempts,” said Harmon who understands the road to recovery is long.  

“As soon as I say I'm also a person in long-term recovery, you can literally see the light bulb go off that says 'got it.' I think he will get me in this process,” said Harmon. 

The event will highlight work from members of the community, businesses, and organizations across the tri-county. 

“If we can just make our little dent, you know, chip away at this big block and kind of help remove some of that shaming stigma, you know, one person, one story at a time, one event like this ... I think all that effort is worth it,” said founder and director of Quest, Luke Shirley, who is inviting the community to come together to support health, well-being, and recovery.  

“I love the word hope and I hope this event and everything we do going forward is kind of just that it’s providing hope and inspiration for people and out of moments and in times of great loss, tragedy, recovery, you can always find that,” said Shirley. 

“Once you get a small taste of what recovery is like, there's nothing else that can replace that,” said Harmon, who hopes his story can help someone find a way out.  

The free event will have live music, local food trucks, slam poetry, and people sharing their stories of recovery. 

Quest is partnering with The Phoenix, which works to build a national sober active community.  

Chris Singleton will serve as the keynote speaker.

The Riverbend Recovery Rally will take place on Saturday, June 17th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 3775 Azalea Drive in North Charleston.  

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park will celebrate the 247th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan's Island on June 24 and June 25 with live reenactments and demonstrations.

Carolina Day is observed annually on June 28 to commemorate the successful defeat of British naval and land forces by the patriots during the Battle of Sullivan's Island.

According to the National Parks Service, this was the first decisive victory by the American colonies in their fight for independence.

Fort Moultrie will waive entrance fees on June 25 to celebrate the historic battle.

Musket demonstrations will take place on Saturday at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:30 pm and on Sunday at 11:00 pm.

Artillery demonstrations will be on Saturday at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 4:00 pm and on Sunday at 11:30 am.

Fort Moultrie is located at 1214 Middle Street on Sullivan’s Island.

Members of the Sea Turtle Care Center team were joined by volunteers from Coastal Expeditions on Tuesday to release the four turtles -- Karina, Orion, Fea, and Muenster -- by boat into the marsh surrounding Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge near Awendaw.

While green sea turtles typically nest on beaches in Costa Rica, and south/central Florida, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources notes that juveniles are found in shallow creeks, bays, and salt marshes in South Carolina.

Karina and Orion arrived at the Aquarium in December suffering from cold-stunning conditions, officials said.

According to NOAA Fisheries, sea turtles are unable to regulate their body temperatures, so cold-stunning can occur when they are exposed to a rapid change in temperature in their surrounding environment. The condition can cause hypothermia, lethargy, and an increased risk of secondary health problems.

Feta -- found by a beachgoer on Sullivan's Island -- came to the care center in the spring with eye ulcers, a heavy load of barnacles, and predator injuries on their shell.

Muenster was found washed ashore on Fripp Island, S.C. with similar problems as Feta in addition to buoyancy issues. Muenster recovered quickly and was cleared for release in just three months, according to officials.

“It’s always an exciting day when we can release rehabilitated sea turtles back into the wild, and we’re so grateful for the many hands that help us along the way," Melissa Ranly, Sea Turtle Care Center manager said. "Every species of sea turtle is either threatened or endangered, so they need all the support they can get from us! Through every step of their journey – from rescue through rehabilitation and ultimately, their release – there’s a network of sea turtle conservationists working to save this sentinel species."

The Sea Turtle Care Center at the SC Aquarium has successfully rehabilitated and released 385 sick or injured turtles since its inception. To learn more about the center, click here.

If you find a sick, injured, or dead sea turtle on the beach, contact the SCDNR hotline at 1(800) 922-5431. 

The board voted 6-2 on Wednesday morning to approve Dr. Gallien’s contract during a special called meeting. Board members discussed the matter in an executive session for nearly two hours.

Trustees Leah Whatley and Ed Kelley both voted in opposition to offering the contract.

“I just don’t believe this is in the best interest of this district to take on risk. As I have stated previously in my public statement, I’m just maintaining my position and feel confident with my position that this isn’t the right move to make and that we should reopen the process,” said Whatley, who represents District 7.

A search firm, BWP, was hired to conduct a nationwide search for the next superintendent. From there, they reviewed 44 applications and decided to interview six candidates.

The search was narrowed down to three contenders last month, including Dr. Gallien; however, two other candidates dropped out when their names were allegedly leaked on social media.

The board voted 6-2 to enter contract negotiations with Dr. Gallien a few days later.

“I think it would have been good to let the community see three candidates so they can compare the candidates," said Jody Stallings, an eighth grade teacher at CCSD.

The offer comes one day after local leaders, activists, and Whatley spoke out on Tuesday saying the search should be restarted, and cited a lack of fairness and transparency.

Dr. Gallien is the superintendent of Racine Unified School District in Wisconsin. Upon signing the contract, he will replace current CCSD Superintendent Don Kennedy. It will mark the end of a lengthy process that has been closely followed by the community.

"What I could consider a mark of success is if he did reach out to the community and opened those doors. Started the trust back,” said Joy Brown, a CCSD parent & education advocate.

Dr. Gallien participated in a community meet and greet last month. The other two candidates were also scheduled to meet with community members, but they withdrew from the selection process before the events happened.

Officials with the St Johns Fire District said the three-car crash happened near Kitford Road shortly before 9:00 a.m.

One person who was involved in the collision told News 2 that one of the vehicles crossed into the opposite lane and struck their vehicle.

Injuries were reported, according to emergency crews.

According to the USCG, a call came in around 5:00 p.m. reporting the grounded vessel.

An Isle of Palms Fire Department airboat crew responded, but was unable to reach the man due to the shallow water.

An Air Station Savannah helicopter crew was then sent to rescue the man, who was taken to the Mount Pleasant Regional Airport without injury.

“The tidal fluctuations in our area can be extreme and prevent even shallow water rescue boats from being able to reach you in some areas," said Lt. Tucker Williams, Air Station Savannah copilot on the case.

Williams encouraged all boaters to be aware of the tides and maintain a safe speed in unfamiliar water.

Sheryl Carter and Charles Carter Jr. allegedly suffered "catastrophic injuries" when a sedan -- driven by Justin Mintz -- collided head-on with their vehicle along Highway 52 on the night of Dec. 22, 2022.

Now, the Carters are suing Mintz and several restaurants and bars which attorneys allege he visited in the hours before the crash.

The lawsuit alleges that Mintz stopped at several North Charleston establishments throughout the day on Dec. 22 where he was "sold and served excessive amounts of alcohol" causing him to become intoxicated. Stops included Madra Rua Irish Pub, DIG in the Park, The Mill, Tattooed Moose, and The Sparrow.

According to the plaintiff's attorneys, David Yarborough and Charles Condon, Jr., a friend of Mintz's confirmed that she and he "blacked out" earlier in the day, but continued to be served once intoxicated.

"We have video from at least one bar of them being escorted off the premises after being served, and having their drinks taken away because they were so drunk," Yarborough of Yarborough Applegate Law Firm said. "Yet, they went on to be served at other establishments after that."

The lawsuit alleges that Mintz left the establishments and got into his vehicle around 10:00 p.m.

According to an NCPD report, Mintz was traveling westbound on Highway 52 when he crossed the center lane and struck the Carters' vehicle in the eastbound lane at a "high rate of speed." The report showed that Mintz reached speeds of 70 mph in a 35 mph zone.

As a result, the Carters reportedly suffered "serious and permanent personal injuries" requiring lengthy hospitalization and extensive medical treatment.

The lawsuit claims the establishments listed were negligent in the supervision and training of their employees, essentially allowing Mintz to be overserved.

"We have a systematic problem in our community right now with the over-service of alcohol to patrons who get drunk in these bars, then get in their automobiles and go out and injure or kill members of the general public," Yarborough said.

Condon added that the Charlie Condon Law Firm and Yarborough Applegate Law Firm "look forward to pursuing justice for the Carters."

Attorneys also claim that NCPD did not obtain a warrant for Mintz's blood alcohol level "which they should've done and "did not adequately investigate this case because apparently they were shorthanded over the Christmas holiday."

Mintz has not been criminally charged, however, officers did issue him a citation for reckless driving at the time of the crash.

News 2 reached out to an NCPD spokesperson who declined to comment.

Representatives for the listed bars and restaurants did not immediately return News 2's request for comment.

According to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), Nyasia Jones (18) of Wadmalaw Island turned herself in at the Al Cannon Detention Center. She was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

The charges stem from a May 3 shooting that left De'Andre Tommie (18) dead. He was found dead inside his vehicle near Roseville Road.

CCSO said that five people, including Jones, were present during the murder. One witness gave CCSO "direct evidence" that showed Jones was "acting in concert with [the first suspect] Davaun Hamilton to shoot and kill Tommie."

Investigators also found text messages showing that "Jones lured the victim outside" before he was "ambushed and shot several times."

A second suspect, Jahsir Gadsden, was charged in late May.

The "Summer Blockbuster" fares are available from Charleston to 18 different locations across the country.

The tickets must be purchased by June 19, 2023 for travel between July 5 and August 8, 2023.

Locations and fare are as follows:

• Akron-Canton, OH starting from $55* one way;
• Charleston, WV starting from $45*;
• Cincinnati, OH starting from $35*;
• Columbus, OH starting from $55*;
• Fort Myers, FL starting from $47*;
• Hartford, CT starting from $49*;
• Islip-Long Island, NY starting from $54*;
• Louisville, KY starting from $45* ;
• New Orleans, LA starting from $49*;
• Norfolk, VA starting from $42*;
• Orlando, FL starting from $45*;
• Phoenix starting from $99*;
• Pittsburgh, PA starting from $59*;
• Richmond, VA starting from $45*;
• Syracuse, NY starting from $54*;
• Tampa, FL starting from $45*;
• West Palm Beach, FL starting from $45*; and
• Westchester County, NY starting from $45*.

According to St. John's Fire District, crews were dispatched to a structure fire along Grace Chapel Road at 6:22 a.m. Tuesday morning.

A boater passing by noticed a fire and called 911.

STJFD firefighters arrived and contained the fire to a deck.

Reports say the home was under construction.

No injuries were reported.

The STJFD Fire Marshal Division is investigating.

It comes after the district said the top three candidates’ names and resumes were leaked prematurely by a Facebook group last month, which prompted frustration among the applicants because they had not yet had the opportunity to speak with their current districts.

Two of the three candidates seeking the position withdrew from the process.

Current CCSD Board member Leah Whatley, State Rep. Matthew Leber, community activists, and other local leaders were in attendance.

“If we proceed forward in this manner, the public is not going to trust that we have made the very best selection in our candidate,” said Whatley on Tuesday.

The Board of Trustees is scheduled to attend a special-called meeting on Wednesday morning to consider approving Dr. Gallien's contract.

Leaders discussed the impact of the leak on the selection process and the community's concerns during the press conference. They called on the Board of Trustees to start a new superintendent search.

“Somehow or way, mysteriously, the information gets leaked out and two drop out and leave one. Why didn’t we do another election process then? Why didn’t we just start the process over to find other candidates?” questioned Elvin Speights, an activist in the community.

Rep. Leber (R-Charleston) on Monday penned a letter to S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson expressing concern about the legality of the superintendent search process.

"The leak has caused concern among members of the community, who are now left wondering about the integrity of the selection process and the qualifications of the remaining candidate, organizers said in a news release. "The community believes that this incident has compromised the transparency and fairness of the selection process, and they demand answers from the Charleston County School District."

On May 30, CCSD board members voted 6-2, with one member not present, to enter contract negotiations with Dr. Eric Gallien.

News 2 reached out to the Attorney General's Office. They said they are looking into the matter.

According to CPD, the individuals shoplifted from Louis Vuitton -- located at 230 King Street -- shortly before 5:00 p.m. on May 30.

Authorities said the same individuals then shoplifted from Christian Michi -- located at 220 King Street -- shortly after leaving the previous store.

Anyone with information is asked to call the CPD on-duty Central Detective at 843-720-2422 or email CPD Team 2 Patrol District Sgt. Cromer at cromert@charleston-sc.gov.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - Charleston Fire is responding to a natural gas leak in Downtown Charleston Tuesday morning.

According to Charleston Fire Department, crews are working a natural gas leak near 18 Society Street and East Bay.

Society Street and East Bay between Wentworth and George are closed. Officials ask the public to avoid the area while crews work.

Count on 2 for updates.

Several speakers stood before the Committee of the Whole on Monday to show their support for a $5,000 dollar salary increase and a one-time $5,000 bonus for teachers using available ESSER III funds.

“Teachers are physically exhausted and financially stretched,” said one woman during the public comment section of the meeting.

The call for higher pay comes as the board gets ready to take the next step in finalizing the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. During Monday’s meeting, the Committee of the Whole heard multiple scenarios that are being considered for the budget.

Last week, the CCSD’s Audit and Finance Committee recommended the board adopt the version which includes a 9.8 mill increase and a $5,000 salary increase for all teachers, up to 40 years of experience. This also includes a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment for non-teachers.  

“As a small business owner, I will happily accept a 10 mill increase on my property taxes if I know it’s going to help recruit and retain teachers,” said Charleston City Councilman Jason Sakran who spoke up during the meeting.

Superintendent Don Kennedy told News 2 they are about a month behind schedule in adopting next year’s budget. The first reading was supposed to happen in May, but it was postponed to later this month.

The one-time teacher bonus will also be considered at the upcoming board meeting.

“The Audit and Finance Committee asked staff to take a look at different scenarios. The $5,000 bonus is out there. They also asked us to take a look at a $1,000 bonus, a $2,000 bonus, and a $7,000 bonus,” Superintendent Kennedy said.

The current plan is for the board to vote on the first reading of the budget at their meeting on June 26^th. Leaders are also expected, during the meeting, to consider reducing positions within the district to balance the budget.  

The Intellicheck app allows businesses to scan IDs and almost instantly identify them as real or fake. The app expedites the process and often provides more accurate results than a bouncer would.

“The IDs are so good you can’t just look at them and say 'Hey this is fake,'" said the owner of El Jefe, Roy Neal.

For the past six months, Intellicheck has been used by over 30 businesses around Downtown Charleston.

Results from the program show that of all the IDs scanned within 6 months, roughly 3% failed -- that equates to over 3,000 people with an expired or fake ID. While the results are in the numbers, business owners also see it in their day to day.

“I can’t say it has eliminated underage drinking, but it has made a huge impact on underage drinking on king street," Neal said.

The city's Public Safety Committee is now looking at ways to ensure business owners still have access to the app even after the pilot program runs out.

“The business feedback was that it was very helpful to either validate their current processes to see how they were doing or put a step-in place that they didn’t have previously," said Charleston Police Captain Jason Bruder.

After the pilot program ends on July 5th, any business owner in the Charleston area wanting to use the app will be able to do so for a discount of $100 a month, which is roughly $150 cheaper than the typical price. This discount does not have a set end date yet with hopes that the new tool can prevent the use of fake IDs as the problem continues.

The board will receive legal advice on a "contractual matter with Dr. Eric Gallien," according to the agenda.

Following the executive session, the board may take action on the legal matter.

Dr. Gallien was selected from a possible 44 applicants for the position. He was the only candidate who received a unanimous 9-0 vote for a second in-person interview from the board.

He then received a 6-2 vote to proceed with contract negotiations.

The meeting will come on the heels of a press conference opposing the search process.

Several community members and local lawmakers plan to gather Tuesday "in response to the recent leak of Charleston County School District's superintendent candidates."

CCSD announced recently that two of the three final candidates withdrew from consideration after their names were prematurely leaked.

In a press release, the groups argued:

"The leak has caused concern among members of the community, who are now left wondering about the integrity of the selection process and the qualifications of the remaining candidate. The community believes that this incident has compromised the transparency and fairness of the selection process, and they demand answers from the Charleston County School District."

SC Representative Matthew Leber has raised concerns about the process with SC Attorney General Alan Wilson.

The press conference is set to take place at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Chief Reynolds passed away in late May after a battle with a rare form of bone cancer.

Mayor John Tecklenburg discussed the process with the city's Public Safety Committee during a Monday afternoon meeting.

According to Mayor Tecklenburg, the city will use the same search company that was used to hire Chief Reynolds, the Police Executive Research Firm (PERF). The city could enter an agreement with PERF as early as this week.

Once PERF has been contracted, it will work with the city to build a profile of the ideal candidate. The position will be posted for at least 30 days, then the applicant screening process will begin.

PERF will select qualified applicants, both locally and nationally, and create a candidate pool. Those candidates will be interviewed and PERF will provide recommendations to the Mayor.

The public will be involved in the process and have an opportunity to meet with candidates.

Mayor Tecklenburg said that he hopes to have a final candidate to present to Council by October.

According to the USCG, the 22-foot vessel ran aground on an oyster bed in Gray Bay around 5:30 p.m.

Two of the passengers injured their feet while trying to free the boat themselves.

A Coast Guard Station Charleston Response Boat took five people from the grounded boat and dropped them off at the Isle of Palms Marina.

The USCG is encouraging boaters to be aware of the weather and pay attention to changing tides while out on the water.

According to NCPD, officers responded to a late-night shooting on Niagara Street and located a man bleeding on the ground. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died as a result of “multiple stab wounds.”

30-year-old Jasmine Greene was arrested on Monday and charged with murder. She faces an additional charge for stalking in an unrelated case, authorities said.

Greene is the second person accused in the stabbing, according to police. 18-year-old Malyisha Gailliard was taken into custody on May 2 on charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Greene was booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center.

"We know that most people get their animals from friends and family, and so we know these dogs will have a better chance to find a home while in the homes of families in our community," Charleston Animal Society Vice President of Operations and Strategy Aldwin Roman, CAWA, said.

Charleston Animal Society will pay foster families $150 once the dog is adopted. If after 30 days the dog is not adopted, the foster family will still receive $150.

The shelter provides foster families with training, supplies (including crates, bowls, and food) and covers 100% of veterinary care while animals are in foster homes.

"We provide all of the support, you supply the roof and the love," Roman said. “We will even send you weekly emails with tips and tricks, including sample social media posts so you can find these dogs a home.”

Charleston Animal Society says they need to clear the shelter of 50 large dogs between Wednesday and June 23rd through adoptions and fosters.

A special orientation will be held on Wednesday for those interested in fostering. Families can plan to leave the event with a foster dog and supplies.

Email foster@charlestonanimalsociety.org to sign up for the orientation.

The development will provide rental apartments for low-and moderate-income people.

The City of Charleston, New Israel Reformed Episcopal Church, and P.A.S.T.O.R.S., Inc., held a groundbreaking and dedication event at 10:00 a.m. for the new construction.

The apartments, located at 195 Romney Street, are being built in partnership between New Israel Reformed Episcopal Church and PASTORS, Inc.

Charleston Mayor John J. Tecklenburg, City Councilmember, Jason Sakran, and pastors from local churches attended the groundbreaking event.