Chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) have been deployed to Raleigh, North Carolina, after a mass shooting took place on Thursday.

Five people, including an off-duty police officer, were killed by a shooter who opened fire along a walking trail within the evening.

A 15-year-old boy was taken into Police custody, after being the suspect in the mass shooting.

Police said he began the rampage by fatally shooting a relative at home.

The 15-year-old suspect is in a critical condition in hospital, but it is not clear how he was injured

Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT explained what the chaplains aim is of being deployed there: "What an incredibly terrifying situation. My heart is heavy to hear about this tragic mass shooting,"

"We are sending our crisis-trained chaplains to comfort people, listen and cry with them and share God's love with those who have been impacted by this horrific tragedy."

Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association posted onto his Facebook page: "Please join me in praying for the families and loved ones of five people killed and two injured in a mass shooting in Raleigh, North Carolina, last night. 

"One of those killed was an off-duty police officer. The suspect, who is a juvenile, is in custody. Pray for all those impacted by this tragedy and for God’s comfort and strength for these grieving families."