ANKARA

The US Justice Department could pursue the death penalty against a man accused of shooting Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, DC, in May, reports said.

The department is expected to indict the man accused of killing two embassy staff members in May on federal hate crime charges later this week, CBS News reported on Tuesday, citing a source with knowledge of the situation.

The indictment of Elias Rodriguez, 31, is likely to feature special findings that make the case eligible for capital punishment, potentially allowing the department to seek the death penalty, reported CBS News, adding that a grand jury has been assembled to review the evidence presented by the department.

Chicago-born Rodriguez was arrested after opening fire outside the Capital Jewish Museum in the US capital in May, killing Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, who were set to be engaged.

The suspect shouted "Free Palestine" as he was taken into custody, according to a video that went viral on social media.

Rodriguez was also charged with murdering foreign officials, causing death with a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime, according to the criminal complaint.