Other factors that influenced the decision included the argument that Roof “demonstrated a lack of remorse”, specifically targeting a group of defenseless churchgoers, and “his animosity towards African Americans”. He has agreed to help with the prosecution against Roof.
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In what appeared to a new government allegation, Tuesday’s notice also said that in preparing for June’s mass killings at a black church, Roof “attempted to incite violent action by others”. Prosecutors in the state case also say they’ll seek the death penalty. During questioning conducted by the Charleston police and FBI, Roof confessed to the killings and admitted that he wanted to start a race war. Among the victims were the church’s pastor, State Sen. and the Rev. Clementa Pinckney.
A website attributed to him was later found to contain racist views toward African Americans, as well as photographs of Roof brandishing guns and the US South’s historic Confederate battle flag.
The move is a relatively rare one for the federal government since it reinstated capital punishment almost three decades ago.
Wilson announced her decision to pursue the death penalty in September. So far, only three have been put to death.
Roof is also charged in state court with nine counts of murder, and SC prosecutors have already announced plans to seek the death penalty when he stands trial on those charges next year.
Although U.S. President Barack Obama has been reticent to apply the death penalty in certain cases, on this occasion the government made a decision to ask for the maximum penalty after carefully reviewing the facts and legal elements of the case, Lynch said.
“Following the department’s rigorous review process to thoroughly consider all relevant factual and legal issues, I have determined that the Justice Department will seek the death penalty”, said Attorney General Loretta Lynch in a statement. Each time, prosecutors have replied that the matter was under consideration in Washington. Since Joey knew about the terrifying plot and shockingly did nothing to stop it, he pleaded guilty in Apr.to lying to authorities and failure to report a crime.
According to The Post and Courier, today’s decision means Roof faces two trials in court, one state, one federal.
There’s no timeframe for Roof’s federal trial, and an attorney meeting is scheduled for next month.
Lynch announced 33 federal charges against Roof on July 22.
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Six women and three men were killed at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
