Posted on 07/22/2015 10:26:35 AM PDT by reaganaut1
WASHINGTON — Dylann Roof, the man suspected of killing nine people at a historically black church in Charleston, S.C., last month is expected to face federal hate crime charges, two law enforcement officials said on Wednesday.
Mr. Roof, 21, already faces nine counts of murder in state court and could face the death penalty there. But Justice Department and F.B.I. officials have said the Charleston shooting was so horrific and racially motivated that the federal government must address it.
The Justice Department had also been considering the seldom-used charge of killing someone while obstructing religious freedom, which is eligible for the death penalty. It was not clear if prosecutors decided to seek that charge.
South Carolina does not have a hate crimes law, and federal officials have said they believe that a murder case alone would leave the racial component of the crime unaddressed.
A grand jury was expected to hand up a federal indictment on Wednesday afternoon. It was not immediately clear how that indictment would affect the state prosecution. The Justice Department has the option to keep its case on hold and wait to see how the state case ends before deciding whether to proceed with a second trial. Under federal law, a hate crime does not, by itself, carry a possible death sentence.
Authorities have linked Mr. Roof to a racist Internet manifesto and said he was in contact with white supremacist groups before launching his attack on the Emanuel A.M.E. Church. He was photographed holding a Confederate flag and a handgun.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
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I certainly hope the black community understands the white community does not condone killings of good, hardworking people irregardless of their race. Justice is universal. It knows no color and Dylan Roof needs to pay the price for his murders.
Its time good people of all races come together to stand against evil. Racial agitators of any race need to be treated as pariahs and shunned.
Seems to me that the Sovereign State of South Carolina is addressing this matter just fine. No need for any involvement by any other entity...
the infowarrior
He’s REALLY gonna be in trouble now!
Oh, now he’s in for it.
Civil rights violations.
Because MASS freaking MURDER isn’t as heinous.
My country has gone insane.
I think the Boston Bomber would care to differ from your post.
I’m still wondering when he’ll be held to account for that hideous haircut.
“The white community” doesn’t even condone killings of bad, lazy people if they aren’t found out there actively endangering others’ lives.
Didn’t he murder, like, 9 people? Is he going to get MORE time?
If he’s convicted of a Federal crime he can be incarcerated in the Super Max with Rudolph, Kazinski, et al.
The whole concept of “hate crime” as a special category of crime is redundant. We don’t as a rule commit premeditated homicide against people we like. A prosecutor generally is tasked with proving method, motive, and opportunity. Racial or religious hatred falls under motive.
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