COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal judge will hear arguments on whether he should change his mind and open to the public a hearing on whether Dylann Roof is competent to stand trial for killing nine black worshippers in a Charleston church.
Judge Richard Gergel will hear from lawyers hired by The Associated Press and other media outlets at 1 p.m. Thursday.
Gergel ruled Wednesday that Roof's competency hearing next week should be closed because statements from Roof and other evidence from the hearing could prevent potential jurors from giving him a fair trial.
Roof's attorneys questioned his ability to help them at his death penalty trial on the eve of jury selection earlier this month.
Gergel has tentatively ruled he'll begin jury selection Nov. 28 if Roof is found competent.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Firefighters work around the clock to get handle on raging NC wildfires
- American Bar Association places Charlotte School of Law on probation
- Arrest made in murder case connected to slaying of Union Co. teacher
- Couple accused of kicking out adopted children after winning home makeover
- Former Panther Rae Carruth's son celebrates 17th birthday
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
