The decision came three days after Gergel wrapped up a hastily called two-day hearing that was held behind closed doors. Roof, 22, is charged in federal court with hate crime, obstruction of religion and other counts for the June 2015 attack at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. COLUMBIA, S.C.—Dylann Roof is competent to stand trial starting next week in the killing of nine black worshippers at a South Carolina church last year, a federal judge ruled Friday. He said he left the three unharmed so they could tell the world the shootings were because he hated black people. Roof has already been found competent in state court, where prosecutors plan a second death penalty trial on nine counts of murder.

Source: thestar November 25, 2016 16:20 UTC