Second trial opens for accused shooter in racist attack on Charleston church

The state trial opens in Charleston, South Carolina, for Dylann Roof, the man accused in a shooting in a predominantly black church in the city on Jun 17, 2015. Prosecutors will seek the death penalty. He is also being tried in a federal court.

The state trial was postponed from July to January at the request of Roof's lawyers.

The shooting left nine worshippers dead and reignited debate over the Confederate battle flag of America’s Civil War, which has strong associations with racism. Roof, 21, who is white, is charged with nine counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder and a weapons charge.

The debate precipitated the removal of the distinctive flag, which has single corner-to-corner navy bands crossing against a red background, from the state legislature grounds. Roof shouted racist epithets during the massacre and posed in front of the flag in online photos in advance of the shooting.

Authorities reported that the victims were attending an evening Bible study. Roof joined them for about an hour before he drew a gun and began shooting. Among the victims was the church pastor and state senator, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney.