Suspect confesses to killings; South Carolina governor calls for death penalty

June 19, 2015 10:44 AM

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said on Friday the suspect in the deadly church shooting in Charleston should face the death penalty if convicted.

Suspect confessed to shooting; South Carolina governor calls for death penalty

South Carolina church shooting suspect Dylann Roof has confessed to shooting and killing nine people, CNN reported on Friday, citing law enforcement officials.

One of the officials said that Roof, who is white, told investigators that he wanted to start a race war, CNN said. Roof bought the .45-caliber handgun last April that he used in the shooting at the historic African-American church, CNN also said, citing two law enforcement officials.

South CarolinaGovernor Nikki Haley said on Friday the suspect in the deadly church shooting in Charleston should face the death penalty if convicted.

In an interview on NBC's "Today" show, Haley said, "This is a state hurt by the fact that nine people innocently were killed. We will absolutely want him to have the death penalty."

Haley also said she wanted Dylann Roof tried on state charges in South Carolina rather than federal charges.