The man accused of murdering nine black churchgoers last
month in Charleston, South Carolina, has pleaded not guilty on more than 33
federal charges. Twenty-one-year old Dylann Roof, who is white, wanted to plead
guilty on all counts according to his lawyer.
month in Charleston, South Carolina, has pleaded not guilty on more than 33
federal charges. Twenty-one-year old Dylann Roof, who is white, wanted to plead
guilty on all counts according to his lawyer.
His lawyer, David Bruck, said he would not enter guilty
pleas for Mr Roof until prosecutors determined whether they would seek the
death penalty.
pleas for Mr Roof until prosecutors determined whether they would seek the
death penalty.
US Judge Bristow Marchant entered the not guilty plea on all
counts.
counts.
Mr Roof appeared in the courtroom shackled. He was silent
except for a few “yes” responses to the judge’s inquiries.
except for a few “yes” responses to the judge’s inquiries.
Church representatives and the family members of victims of
the 17 June attack also spoke briefly.
the 17 June attack also spoke briefly.
The charges against Mr Roof include hate crimes, weapons
charges and obstructing the practice of religion.
charges and obstructing the practice of religion.
Police have said the shooting was racially motivated and
Roof has been linked to a website featuring racist writings.
Roof has been linked to a website featuring racist writings.
Mr Roof also faces charges from the state of South Carolina,
including nine counts of murder.
including nine counts of murder.
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