US: Accused SC shooter to represent self at trial

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - A federal judge on Monday allowed the white gunman accused of fatally shooting nine black parishioners at a South Carolina church to represent himself in court.

Charleston Federal District Court judge Richard M. Gergel reportedly did not believe the request by Dylann Roof, 22, a good one, but allowed it to go forward.

"I do find defendant has the personal capacity to self-representation," Gergel said, according to the Post and Courier newspaper. "I continue to believe it is strategically unwise, but it is a decision you have the right to make."

Roof, a professed white supremacist, told the judge he wanted his attorneys as "stand-by counsel".

He is accused of entering Charleston's historic Emanuel AME church and opening fire on a Bible study group there in June 2015, massacring nine victims.

He has pleaded not guilty to 33 hate crime charges.

Roof underwent a psychological evaluation after David Bruck, Roof's noted criminal defense attorney, raised doubts about his mental state.

Last Fridaym Gergel ruled that Roof is mentally competent to stand trial.

Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

He offered to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence last week, but the prosecution rejected the plea.

Jury selection is beginning Monday.

Roof also faces the death penalty in a separate state case that is slated to begin in mid-January.