Judge rules Charleston church gunman competent to stand trial

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U.S. District Judge Richard Mark Gergel ruled on Friday that Dylann Roof is competent to stand trial.

The judge sealed the reasons behind the ruling, claiming that public disclosure would threaten Roof’s right to a fair trial.

The ruling comes after jury selection was halted in the trial until a competency hearing could be held.

According to CNN: “Roof faces 33 federal charges: nine counts of violating the Hate Crime Act resulting in death; three counts of violating the Hate Crime Act involving an attempt to kill; nine counts of obstruction of exercise of religion resulting in death; three counts of obstruction of exercise of religion involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon; nine counts of use of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence.”

Jury selection should resume on Monday.