confederate flag

Ex-Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., has defended the Confederate battle flag for years, making a nuanced argument for what it represents. But that's been complicated after the shooting at a Charleston church.

In the building where slain Rev. Clementa Pinckney once worked in the state Senate, Gov. Nikki Haley signed the bill that will remove the flag from its spot in front of the Capitol building.

Lawmakers in the state's House of Representatives backed a bill that will put the controversial flag in a relic room. After Gov. Nikki Haley signs the bill Thursday, the flag will come down Friday.

The decision follows more than 13 hours of debate. Lawmakers in the House approved the Senate bill by a two-thirds margin, and the measure now goes to Republican Gov. Nikki Hailey's desk.

The issue will now head to the House. Tuesday's 36-3 vote was widely seen as a formality; the S.C. Senate had voted 37-3 to advance the bill after its second reading Monday.

The state's Senate will need to approve the bill one more time before it can go on to the House. Monday's tally was 37-3; a final vote will be held Tuesday.

The unidentified woman was arrested after she removed the flag, defying demands from State Capitol police to come down from the 30-foot pole.

The president, who led those mourners in a rendition of "Amazing Grace," said the alleged killer failed in his effort to "terrorize and oppress."