Dylann Roof

Mass Murderer

Dylann Roof and the 2015 Charleston Church Massacre

Background

Dylann Storm Roof was a 21-year-old white supremacist from South Carolina when he carried out a racially motivated mass murder at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston on June 17, 2015. The historic congregation, commonly known as Mother Emanuel, was one of the oldest and most prominent African American churches in the southern United States. Before the attack, Roof had become deeply immersed in racist propaganda found on the internet. He created a website containing photographs of himself with white supremacist symbols and a written manifesto expressing hatred toward African Americans. Investigators determined that he selected a Black church because he wanted his violence to attract attention and provoke racial conflict. Roof had previously been arrested for drug possession and trespassing. On April 11, 2015, he purchased a Glock Model 41 .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun from a firearms dealer in West Columbia, South Carolina. A problem with the federal background-check process allowed the sale to proceed even though information associated with one of his earlier arrests should have prompted further examination.

Planning the Attack

Roof researched African American churches and communities before choosing Emanuel AME Church. Evidence later introduced during his federal trial showed that he had written down the names of several Black churches in the Charleston area. He reportedly selected Mother Emanuel because of its historical importance and its prominent place in Charleston's African American community. On June 17, 2015, Roof drove from the Columbia area to Charleston in a black Hyundai Elantra. He was armed with the Glock handgun, several magazines and dozens of rounds of hollow-point ammunition. He arrived at Emanuel AME Church at 110 Calhoun Street and remained in his vehicle for a period of time before entering the building.

The Bible Study Meeting

Roof entered the church during an evening Bible study led by the church's senior pastor, Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney. Pinckney was also a member of the South Carolina Senate. Roof asked for Pinckney and was welcomed into the meeting rather than treated as an intruder. The participants gave Roof a Bible and a chair. He sat beside Pinckney and remained with the group for approximately 45 minutes to an hour as they read scripture, prayed and discussed their faith. The worshippers reportedly treated him with kindness and hospitality throughout the meeting. Roof later admitted that their kindness caused him to hesitate. He nevertheless decided to continue with the attack he had planned. At approximately 9:05 p.m., as the meeting was concluding and the group began to pray, Roof pulled out his handgun and opened fire at close range. ...

Confirmed Victims: (9)

Sharonda Coleman-Singleton 45 yr old Female

Dylann Roof