Breaking: Jury Gives Dylann Roof Death Penalty
Had Been Found Guilty of 33 Federal Counts, 18 Carried Death Penalty
The white supremacist convicted of murdering nine African Americans after attending a Bible study class with them in Charleston, South Carolina has been sentenced by a jury to death. Dylann Roof, who had said he wanted to start a race war after being caught by police, earlier today told a jury, “I still feel like I had to do it.”
At 22-years old Roof become first person to be given death penalty for a hate crime.Â
Roof told the jury just hours earlier, “In my confession to the FBI I told them that I had to do it, and obviously that’s not really true. … I didn’t have to do anything,” Roof said. “But what I meant when I said that was, I felt like I had to do it, and I still do feel like I had to do it.”
The jury deliberated for about three hours. They asked the judge at one point if Roof would be considered a danger to other inmates as they were deliberating.
This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.