CHARLESTON

Judge Allows Dylann Roof to Represent Himself

But warns it is unwise.

Dylann Roof, the man accused of fatally shooting nine worshippers at a historically black church in South Carolina last June, filed a motion to represent himself in court and forgo a lawyer for his federal trial in which he will face the death penalty. Appearing in court Monday morning, Roof said he feels competent enough to represent himself, according to reporters who tweeted from the courtroom. The judge approved the motion, telling Roof that it would serve him better to have an attorney represent him, adding it was “strategically unwise” even though he feels that Roof is competent enough. Jury selection for Roof’s trial was slated to begin Monday at 9 a.m.