Feds to Seek Death Penalty Against Accused Charleston Church Shooter Dylann Roof

The United States Department of Justice will seek the death penalty against Dylann Roof, the accused in the deadly Charleston church attack that left nine people dead.

“Following the department’s rigorous review process to thoroughly consider all relevant factual and legal issues, I have determined that the Justice Department will seek the death penalty. The nature of the alleged crime and the resulting harm compelled this decision,” Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch said in a statement.

Authorities say Roof sat through a prayer meeting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church before opening fire and killing nine in 2015.

The murders started a national conversation about the use of the confederate flag on public grounds, prompting the South Carolina senate to vote to remove the flag from the statehouse.

Roof reportedly confessed to the murders and was indicted on 33 federal charges in July 2015.

Image via Charleston County Sheriff's Office