The shooting incident at an African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina, Wednesday was recently described by the city's police chief as a "hate crime."

At a news conference Thursday, Police Chief Gregory Mullen of Charleston and City Mayor Joe Riley explained details of the 2015 Charleston shooting investigation.

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The shooting took place while a meeting was being held at the church about 9:00 p.m. local time Wednesday.

As of Thursday morning, the 2015 Charleston shooting gunman remains at large, reported ABC News.

"I do believe it was a hate crime," said Mullen.

According to police, a search is under way for the male suspect who appears to be in his 20s.

Police described the suspect as a 21-year-old white male. The man was wearing a sweatshirt, jeans, and boots during the attack.

Following the 2015 Charleston shooting, eight victims were found dead inside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

During the news conference, Mullen added that a ninth victim had died after being rushed to the hospital. Another wounded victim is currently receiving treatment following the harrowing incident.

"It is unfathomable that somebody in today's society would walk into a church when people are having a prayer meeting and take their lives," said Mullen

After the shooting, a bomb threat was reported near the area, according to the spokesman of Charleston County Sheriff's Office Eric Watson. Police told the people gathering in the area to move back and stay far away.

Later on, an all-clear was given, and there had been no bombs after all, Mullen told the press conference.

At the scene of the Charleston shooting, a police chaplain was present, while a helicopter hovered overhead with a searchlight as officers scoured the area for the unidentified suspect, according to Reuters.

Law enforcement agencies assisting in the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

State Senator Clementa Pinckney, who is also the church's pastor, was among the victims of the shooting, tweeted civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton.

The Wednesday shooting comes after Walter Scott, an unarmed black man, was shot and killed by a white police officer two months ago in North Charleston, reported the BBC. The incident has ignited the anger of many, with protesters highlighting racial tension in the city. The white officer was charged with murder.

One of the oldest churches in the United States, the 19th century Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1891 and is now considered a historically significant structure.

Tagscharleston church shooting, 2015 charleston shooting, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, hate crime, Racism