Roof to defend himself in Charleston church shooting trail

Dylann Roof, the 22-year-old accused of killing nine parishioners at a church in Charleston, S.C., will act as his own attorney. U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel accepted Roof’s request this morning, against the wishes of Roof’s court-appointed attorney. Gergel called the decision “unwise.” Roof faces the death penalty for the killings, which appear to be racially motivated. The three people who survived the June 2015 rampage at Emanuel AME Church said Roof hurled racist insults at his victims as he shot them. Jury selection in the trail resumes today after a three-week delay caused by Roof’s attorneys questioning his ability to assist in his own defense. Gergel eventually ruled Roof competent to stand trial. The judge will begin today questioning 516 potential jurors. Once he narrows the pool to 70, the prosecutors and defense will be able to use strikes to remove members they don’t want.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.