The white man accused of gunning
down nine parishioners at a black church in Charleston wants to plead
guilty to 33 federal charges, but his lawyer said in court Friday that
he wouldn't do so until prosecutors say whether they'll seek the death
penalty.
During a brief arraignment in federal court, defense attorney David Bruck said that he couldn't advise his client, Dylann Roof, to enter a guilty plea without knowing the government's intentions.
U.S. Magistrate
Judge Bristow Marchant then entered a not guilty plea for Roof, 21, who
faces federal charges including hate crimes, weapons charges and
obstructing the practice of religion. Appearing in court in a gray
striped prison jumpsuit, his hands in shackles, Roof answered yes
several times in response to the judge's questions but otherwise didn't
speak.
Marchant also heard
briefly from family members of victims of the June 17 attack at Emanuel
African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston. Several
church representatives also spoke.
Roof
also faces numerous state charges, including nine counts of murder.
Prosecutors in that case also have not said whether they'll seek the
death penalty.
No future hearings are scheduled in Roof's case,
although the judge did tell attorneys they have several weeks to file
pre-trial motions.
Of course, he is guilty.
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