Federal prosecutors on Tuesday announced they intend to seek the death penalty against accused hate crimes Charleston church killer Dylann Roof.
“Dylann Storm Roof has expressed hatred and contempt towards African Americans, as well as other groups, and his animosity towards African Americans played a role in the murders charged in (July’s) indictment,” the notice said.
Roof, 22, who is from Columbia, is white. The nine victims were black, as are the three survivors.
“Roof targeted men and women participating in a Bible-study group at the Emanuel AME Church in order to magnify the societal impact of the offenses,” the notice said.
David Bruck, one of Roof’s lawyers, said Tuesday the defense team would have no comment on the government decision.
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