ROOF CHARGED WITH FEDERAL HATE CRIMES

No decision yet on whether to seek the death penalty

WASHINGTON Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced federal hate crime charges Wednesday against the 21- year- old suspect in the Charleston, S. C., church massacre, alleging that Dylann Roof sought to ignite racial tensions across the country by targeting Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church because of its local and historical significance.

The 33- count indictment charges Roof with nine murders, three attempted murders and multiple firearms offenses as part of a long- planned assault in which Roof allegedly singled out victims “because of their race and in order to interfere with their exercise of their religion.”

Federal charges, which follow a murder indictment lodged by a South Carolina grand jury, carry the prospect of a death sentence. Lynch said no decision had been made on whether to seek the death penalty. The attorney general also said no decision had been reached on whether local or federal authorities would proceed first with Roof’s prosecution. Traditionally, a federal prosecution would follow the local case.

Lynch suggested investigators gathered evidence that Roof’s alleged plan of assault included the iconic church because of its meaning to African Americans. She declined to detail the extent of the government’s evidence.

“On that summer evening, Dylann Roof found his targets, African Americans engaged in worship,” Lynch said of the attack June 17 on a Bible study session. “The parishioners had Bibles. Dylann Roof had his .45- caliber Glock pistol and eight magazines loaded with hollow- point bullets. ... Dylann Roof drew his pistol and opened fire on them.”

Roof’s court- appointed attorney did not respond to a request for comment.

POOL PHOTO BY RANDALL HILL Dylann Roof listens to court proceedings with assistant defense attorney William Maguire during a hearing July 16 in Charleston, S. C.