Dylann Roof is an American convicted murderer known for the June 17, 2015, mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where he killed nine Black parishioners during a Bible study. This evergreen profile explains his identity, the attack, the trial and sentencing, and his current status while clarifying enduring questions about motive, ideology, and institutional response. It serves as a verified reference for understanding the factual record, legal outcomes, and long-term significance of the event.
Identity and Background
Dylann Storm Roof was born on April 3, 1994, in Columbia, South Carolina. He grew up in nearby states including North Carolina and briefly lived in Georgia. Prior to the shooting, Roof had no prior felony convictions but had encounters with law enforcement for traffic violations and possession of drug paraphernalia. He self-radicalized online, consuming white supremacist, racist, and anti-government content that shaped his ideology and culminated in the planning of a racially motivated attack.
The Charleston Church Shooting: Key Details
On the evening of June 17, 2015, Roof entered the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston during a Wednesday night Bible study. He participated in the session for approximately one hour before leaving and returning with a SIG Sauer SP2022 handgun. Roof killed nine people: the senior pastor, state senator Clementa C. Pinckney; Rev. Daniel L. Simmons Sr.; Rev. Depayne Middleton-Doctor; Ethel Lance; Susie Jackson; Tywanza Sanders; Cynthia Hurd; Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton; and Myra Thompson. A tenth victim survived with injuries. Roof intended to incite a race war and selected the church for its historical and symbolic significance within the Black community.
Casualty Profile
| Victim Name | Age at Death | Role/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Clementa C. Pinckney | 41 | State senator, senior pastor |
| Daniel L. Simmons Sr. | 74 | Retired pastor, community leader |
| Depayne Middleton-Doctor | 49 | Church administrator, longtime member |
| Ethel Lance | 70 | Church administrator, longtime member |
| Susie Jackson | 87 | Oldest victim, choir member |
| Tywanza Sanders | 26 | Youngest victim, church member |
| Cynthia Hurd | 54 | Church librarian, community organizer |
| Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton | 45 | Speech therapist, pastor, athlete |
| Myra Thompson | 59 | Church member, Bible study participant |
Investigation, Arrest, and Federal Proceedings
Roof fled the church after the shooting and was arrested following a manhunt that included a traffic stop in North Carolina. Evidence seized from his person and online activity included a journal, photographs, and manifestos outlining his racist ideology and plans for future violence. The FBI led the investigation under federal hate crime and civil rights statutes. Roof was held without bail and prosecuted in federal court on charges that included hate crimes resulting in death and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Trial, Sentencing, and Incarceration Status
Roof’s trial began in December 2016 after a competency evaluation and multiple delays. During the penalty phase, he represented himself and made statements acknowledging his guilt while expressing extremist views. On January 10, 2017, a federal jury recommended the death penalty on multiple counts. On August 1, 2017, Judge Richard Gergel formally sentenced Roof to death. Roof remains on federal death row at the United States Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, pending ongoing appeals. No execution date has been finalized at the time of this writing.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Crime | June 17, 2015 | Court filings, news reports |
| Location | Emanuel AME Church, Charleston, SC | Law enforcement reports |
| Victims | 9 killed, 1 injured | Coroner and court documents |
| Sentence | Federal death penalty | Court sentencing order |
| Current Status | Federal death row, appeals pending | BOP register, court records |
Legal and Social Context
The shooting prompted widespread national reflection on race relations, gun violence, and extremist ideology. It led to policy discussions on hate crime legislation, Confederate symbols, and church security practices. Roof’s manifesto, widely circulated despite efforts to limit access, raised questions about online platform responsibility and content moderation. The trial exposed the challenges of pursuing capital cases in federal court and the lasting trauma experienced by survivors and victims’ families. Survivor testimonies and the victims’ activism have influenced public memory and advocacy efforts.
Ongoing Implications and Public Discourse
The case remains a reference point in discussions about domestic extremism, racial terrorism, and the enforcement of federal civil rights laws. Advocacy organizations track hate crimes and use the event in training and prevention efforts. Roof’s status on federal death row continues to be relevant as the federal government navigates executions and legal challenges. This profile is updated as verified records and court proceedings evolve, ensuring accuracy without sensationalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the motive behind the Charleston church shooting? Roof stated intent to start a race war and expressed white supremacist ideology online before the attack.
- Is Dylann Roof currently alive? Yes, Roof is alive and incarcerated on federal death row.
- What is Roof’s current legal status? He remains sentenced to federal death with appeals pending; no execution has been carried out.
- Were there survivors of the shooting? Yes, one survivor was injured and several others escaped unharmed during the attack.
- How has the case influenced policy? The shooting accelerated debates on hate crimes, Confederate symbols, and online extremist content moderation.