Justice Department Looks at Several Angles of Mass Murder

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Justice Department says it is investigating the slayings at a black church in Charleston from all angles, including whether it could be a hate crime or domestic terrorism.

Agency spokeswoman Emily Pierce said in a statement Friday that “heartbreaking episode was undoubtedly designed to strike fear and terror into this community” and that the investigation is ongoing.

Authorities say 21-year-old Dylann Roof opened fire at a Bible study at the church, killing nine people. He has been charged with nine counts of murder, and the governor has called for him to face the death penalty.

A friend has said Roof had made racist statements in recent weeks, including saying that black people were taking over the country and that something needed to be done for the sake of whites.