COLUMBIA – U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) urged that the Confederate Battle Flag be removed from the South Carolina State House grounds.

“In the worst of tragedies, we have seen the best of South Carolina. Today, I am urging that the Confederate Battle Flag be removed from statehouse grounds to an appropriate location.

“After the tragic, hate-filled shooting in Charleston, it is only appropriate that we deal once and for all with the issue of the flag.

“The love and forgiveness displayed by victims of this horrific, racially motivated shooting, along with all the people of Charleston, is an example to us all. The victims’ families and the parishioners of the Mother Emanuel AME Church reflect everything good about the Christian religion and the people of South Carolina.

“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.”