South Carolina Governor Calls For Removal Of Conferdate Flag On State Capitol

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley called for a new day on her state Capitol Monday. A week after a 21-year-old walked into an African American church and gunned down nine people, the Governor wants the Confederate flag removed from the Capitol. After the shooting  calls for the flag's removal have been growing.

Haley's announcement was followed by applause at a news conference. It was there where she called the Confederate flag a dividing symbol.

"Today, we are here in a moment of unity in our state, without ill will, to say it is time to move the flag from the Capitol grounds," Haley said during the news conference. "The murderer, now locked up in Charleston, said he hoped his actions would start a race war. We have an opportunity to show that not only was he wrong, but that just the opposite is happening. My hope is that by removing a symbol that divides us, we can move our state forward in harmony, and we can honor the nine blessed souls who are now in heaven."

Authorities say the shooting was a hate crime and that several images have surfaced of the shooter holding a Confederate flag. South Carolina's general assembly ended on June 4 but lawmakers are meeting Tuesday for a budget compromise and it will be during this time that they can vote on extending the session to debate the flag's removal. The decision to continue the session would take a two-thirds vote and a two-thirds vote will also be necessary to take the flag down.

Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott are for the removal of the flag. Graham says that he believes taking down the Confederate flag can help the country move forward with the healing process.

"I hope that, by removing the flag, we can take another step towards healing and recognition - and a sign that South Carolina is moving forward," Graham said at the news conference.

Scott shared similar sentiments. "I believe it is time for the flag to come down," Scott also said at the news conference. "General Assembly will move to this topic swiftly, so that our state can continue to move forward."