Federal judge delays trial for Dylann Roof in Charleston church shooting until at least January

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal judge has delayed the trial for a man accused of shooting nine people at a Charleston church earlier this year.

Dylann Roof

U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel on Thursday, October 1st agreed to delay the trial of 21-year-old Dylann Roof until at least January.

The trial had been set for next month. Gergel says both defense attorneys and federal prosecutors said they needed more time to prepare.

The federal government has still not said if it will pursue the death penalty against Roof in the June 17 shootings at Emanuel AME Church.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Richardson said Thursday the U.S. Justice Department is still reviewing the matter and that U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch will ultimately make the determination.

State prosecutors have said they will pursue the death penalty against Roof on charges including nine counts of murder.

Charleston church shooting victims