Beyonce, celebs pay tribute to Charleston victims, rally behind Jon Stewart

Beyonce, Nicki Minaj and numerous other celebrities sent their thoughts and prayers to the victims and families of Thursday's mass shooting at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.

Several big names rallied behind Jon Stewart's scathing monologue about the tragedy. Others echoed the sentiment in emotional Friday testimony from the victims' friends and family, who said they forgive Dylann Roof, who is suspected of opening fire during Bible study at the church.

Still others voiced outrage over gun control, as well as "lone wolf" terminology being used rather than racial terrorism, as they posted news stories on developments in the case.

Also, #blacklivesmatter, a movement that has put the phrase in everyday nomenclature after a series of officer-involved shootings claiming lives of African American victims, took on new meaning as the slogan was applied to the apparent hate crime.

My heart is with the families, loved ones, and all of those affected by the senseless tragedy in Charleston. May they rest in peace.

A video posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Jun 18, 2015 at 9:32pm PDT

Went looking for something to post that might help me breathe. #CharlestonShooting

A photo posted by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on Jun 18, 2015 at 2:43pm PDT

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